BASIC LAW (CONSTITUTION) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia (The Constitution was adopted and enacted by the Third Session of the Third Convocation of the CEC of the Abkhaz SSR on 27 October 1926; the text was approved, without changes at the Forth Congress of Soviets of the Abkhaz SSR on 7 march 1927)
Chapter one
General Provisions
(...)
2. The Republic of Abkhazia is a socialist state of Workers and peasants united on the basis of Union Treaty with the Georgian SSR, enters Trans-Caucasus Soviet Federative Socialist Republic though the Georgian SSR and as a member of latter, the USSR.
3. The Supreme power of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia belongs to the Congress of Soviets of Workers’, Peasants’ and Red Army Deputies of Abkhazia, and, in periods between the convocation of the congress, to the Soviet Central Executive Committee of Abkhazia.
4. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia exercises independent state authority on its territory outside of spheres specified for in the Union Treaty with the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgian and listed in the Constitutions of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and of the Georgian SSR.
5. The territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia may not be altered without its consent.
6. The citizens of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, retaining the citizenship of the Republic, at the same time are the citizens of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic. All rights and responsibilities established for the citizens of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia by this Constitution and the laws of the Republic, shall apply to the citizens of other Union Soviet Republics being on the territory of the Soviet Republic of Abkhazia.
Proceeding from the solidarity of workers of all countries and nations, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia secures the rights of foreigners belonging to the working class, residing on its territory for working purposes, as well as of farmers not using the others’ labour.
7. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia recognizes the equal rights of citizens irrespective of race or nationality, any direct or indirect limitation of the rights of citizens or establishment of any privileges on grounds of race or nationality, or any discrimination of national minorities or restriction their equality shall be deemed as violation of the laws of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
8. The languages of state institutions on the territory of Abkhaz SSR are: Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian.
Note 1. All the nationalities of the USSR shall be secured the right to develop and use freely their native language in national-cultural, as well as in state organizations.
Note 2. The language for administrative- territorial entities (Districts, counties, rural settlements) shall be determined by the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Chapter II
The relations between the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on the basis of Union Treaty
17. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, enters the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on the basis of Union Treaty and through the Georgian SSR it enters the Trans-Caucasus Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.
18. The representatives of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall take part in the All-Georgian Congress of Soviets on the basis of following norm: one deputy for 10 000 inhabitants from the places where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of population, and one deputy for 2000 voters from the places where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of constituency.
19. All-Georgian Congress of Soviets shall elect the representatives of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia to the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia; number of representatives shall be determined by the All-Georgian Congress of Soviets.
20. The Congress of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Central Executive Committee and its presidium, as well as the organs of local authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be organized in conformity to the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
21. The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall appoint the Council of People’s Commissars of Abkhazia consisting of the Chairman, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Public Economy and People’s Commissars leading the following commissariats: Internal Affairs, justice, Education, health-care, Agriculture, and Social Protection. Upon the decision of the Central Executive Committee of Abkhazia, the Council of People’s Commissars also shall include the plenipotentiary representatives (with deliberative or casting vote) of People’s Commissariats of Finance, Labour and Worker’s and Peasants’ Inspectorate of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
The people’s Commissariats of Internal Affairs, justice, Education, health-Care, Agriculture and Social Security shall be independent in their activity from the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and inform each other about their activity.
The Supreme Council of Public Economy is subordinate to the Central Executive Committee and the Council of people’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and executes the directives of the Supreme Council of public Economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
The plenipotentiary representatives of the People’s Commissariats of Finance, labour and Workers’ and Peasants’ Inspectorate are under direct subordination of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and the shall submit the reports on their activity to the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
22. The organs of state authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall have the right to issue the legal acts biding on the territory of the Republic on the matters outside of joint state management (Internal Affairs, Justice, Education, health-care, Agriculture and Social Security).
The Codes, Decrees and Decisions adopted by the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia applied to the entire territory of the Georgian SSR, shall be binding on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; for the purpose of developing the said acts, the supreme organs of state authority of the Abkhaz SSR may issue the legal acts that are binding on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
23. In the matters of common (Finance, Labour and Workers’ and peasants’ Inspectorate) and joint (Public Economy) management, all decrees and ordinances issued by the Central Executive Committee, its Presidium and the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall have the binding force on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; within the sphere of joint state management the supreme organs of state authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall have the right to issue the legal acts aimed at developing the legal acts of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia; those acts shall be binding on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
24. All-Georgian Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive committee of All-Georgia shall have the right to revoke the Resolutions of the Congress of Soviets, Central Executive Committee and of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia that contravene to the provisions specified for in Chapter II of this Constitution.
25. The Budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, approved by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a constituent part of the All-state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia subject to approval of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia.
All local revenues and expenditures on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be consolidated into the local budget on the basis of All-Union and Trans-Caucasus SFSR legislation.
Chapter III.
Jurisdiction of the Congress of Soviets and the Central
Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
26. The following matters under the sole jurisdiction of the Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia:
a) determination, addition and amendment of the basic principles to the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, final approval of partial changes to the Constitution adopted by the Central Executive Committee in the period between the Congress of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
b) Deciding the issues on changing the boundaries of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
27. The issues of common character are under the jurisdiction of the Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, except those that are under the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and the Georgian SSR in conformity to the Union and TCSFSR Constitutions and Chapter Two of this Constitution.
The jurisdiction of the Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall cover:
a) General management of internal policy and public economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
b) Administrative division of the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
c) Establishment of the bases for the public economy and certain branches on the territory of the Soviet socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
d) Determination of taxes and duties established by the fiscal legislation;
e) The right of amnesty of the territory of Abkhaz SSR, as well as the right of pardon and rehabilitation of citizens convicted by courts and administrative agencies of the Republic;
f) The right to suspend the decisions of the District Congress of Soviets and their executive committees that violate this constitution and the legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia currently in force;
g) All the matter the Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia deem necessary to be considered.
29. Besides the matters listed above the Congress of Soviets and the central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia are authorized to deal with other issues in conformity to the Constitutions and legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
29. The Decisions adopted by the highest organs of state authority of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic and the Trans-Caucasus Soviet Federative Socialist Republic within the limit of their jurisdiction, as well as the legal acts of supreme organs of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall be binding on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia in conformity to Chapter II of this Constitution. No other organs, except the Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and in certain cases the presidium of the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People’s Commissars, have the right to issue the legal acts of all-state significance on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
Chapter IV
Organization of Soviet Power The Congress of
Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
30. Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is composed of representatives of the District Congresses of Soviets on the basis of following norm: one deputy for 1000 inhabitants from the places where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of population, and one deputy for 2000 voters from the places where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of constituency.
31. The Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia elects the Central Executive Committee; the number of members to the Central Executive Committee of Abkhazia shall be determined by the Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
32. The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia convens the Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia once a year.
Note: in the vent of special circumstances impeding the convocation of the Congress, the Central Executive Committee has the right to postpone the convocation of the Congress.
33. The Special Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be convoked by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia upon its own initiative or at a request of the local Soviets and Congresses of Soviets having not less than one-third of the entire population of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
b) The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
34. The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the supreme legislative, executive and controlling organ of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
35. The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, within the limits of its competence specified for in Chapter II of this Constitution, has the right to issue Cods, Decrees and Decisions upon its own initiative, consider and approve the draft-laws submitted by the Council of People’s Commissars.
36. All of Decrees and Decisions specifying the common norms of political and economic life of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, the state budget of Abkhazia and the acts introducing the substantial changes to the established practice of the organs of state authority shall be considered and approved by the Central Executive Committee.
37. The Central Executive Committee shall direct in a general way the activity of the Workers’ and Peasants’ government and of all organs of the soviet authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and it shall coordinate and regulate the operation of the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Resolutions of the Congress of Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as of the decisions of the supreme organs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and of the Georgian SSR specified for under Chapter Two of this Constitution.
40. The Central Executive Committee elects the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee and determines the sphere of its activity.
42. In period between the convocation of the sessions of the Central Executive Committee, the Presidium it the supreme legislative, executive and controlling organ of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
43. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee issues the decrees, decisions and ordinances on behalf of the Central executive Committee, approves the draft-laws submitted by the Council of People’s Commissars for consideration.
44. The Presidium of Central Executive Committee shall observe the implementation of the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and all of the Resolutions of the Congresses of Soviets and of the Central Executive Committee by all organs of state authority; it represents the highest organ in the centre and at the local levels.
45. In the period between the convocation of sessions, the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee has the right to appoint the individual People’s Commissars upon recommendation of the Council of People’s Commissars subject to consequent approval by the Central Executive Committee, as well as of other officials of supreme organs appointment of which is a competence of the Central Executive Committee.
46. The presidium of the Central Executive Committee has the right to consider the petition on pardon and rehabilitation in political rights.
47. The presidium of the Central Executive Committee has the right to suspend and revoke the decisions and ordinances issued by the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as of the People’s Commissars, Central and District organs of state authority and district executive committees, and the decisions adopted by the District Congresses of Soviets.
48. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee resolves the disputes between the central and local organs of state authority.
c) The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
50. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the executive and administrative organ of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; The Council of People’s Commissars is entrusted with the general management of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
52. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, within the limits of its rights determined by the Central Executive Committee and operating on the basis of Regulations on the Council of People’s Commissars, has the right to issue decrees and decisions that are binding on the entire territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
53. The Republican Economic Forum shall be established at the Council of People’s Commissars, which operates on the basis of special Regulations for directing the economic policy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and represents the organ under direct subordination to the Supreme Economic Council of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR.
54. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is responsible to the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and its Presidium.
d) The People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
55. For the purpose of direct administration of certain branches of the state management within the competence of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the following People’s Commissariats shall be formed: Internal Affairs, Justice, Education, health-Care, Agriculture, Social Security and the Supreme Council of Public Economy operating on the basis of special Regulations established for them.
56. The People’s Commissariats are led by the People’s Commissars, who are the members of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
59. The People’s Commissars and the Board (panel) at the People’s Commissariats are entirely responsible to the Council of People’s Commissars, the Central Executive Committee and its Presidium.
60. The relation of the Supreme Council of Public Economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the plenipotentiary representatives of the People’s Commissariats of Finance, Labour, and the Workers’ and peasants Inspectorate of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia with the corresponding Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and the Supreme organs of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is determined under Article 21 of this Constitution.
61. The Orders of the People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia may be revoked by the Central Executive Committee, its Presidium and the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia. The Ordinances of the Supreme Council of Public Economy and of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the People’s Commissariats of Finance, Labour and Workers’ and Peasants’ Inspectorate may be revoked: with regard of the Supreme Council of Public Economy by the Supreme Council of Public Economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia if they are not based on the instruction of the Central Executive Committee, its presidium or the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; with regard of Plenipotentiary representatives of the People’s Commissariats of Finance, labour and Workers’ and peasants’ Inspectorate they may be revoked by the relevant peoples’ Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia if those ordinances contravene to the directives or legislation on common and joint management.
d) Local organs of state authority: District Congress of Soviets, District Executive Committees and the Soviets of Deputies and their executive organs
62. The District Congress of Soviets is the Supreme Organ of state authority on the territory of District; in the period between convocation of Congress the District Executive Committee is the supreme organ of state authority.
69. For the purpose of direct management of certain branches on the territory of District, the District Executive Committees form the Department; the structure and competence of those departments shall be determined by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
70. The Departments of the District Executive Committee are under direct subordination of the District Executive Committee and its Presidium; they are obliged to execute all of the instructions and orders of the district executive committee and its Presidium, as well as of the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and of the Plenipotentiary Representatives of the People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
f) The Courts and Procurator
79. For the purpose of legal protection of the Workers’ and peasants’ State and for strengthening the revolutionary justice and protection of the public order, as well as for securing the economic interests of the state and working masses, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia forms the unified system of the People’s Court and the Procurator’s Office operating on the basis of procedural rules basic principles of which are determined by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
80. The judicial organs and the Procurator shall be guided by the civil and criminal legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and in relevant cases in accordance to this Constitution and the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia based on the principles established by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, and in conformity to the laws operating on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; in the event of lack of such legislation, in conformity to the common spirit of the Soviet legislation and the interests of the Workers’ and Peasants’ state.
Chapter VI
Budgetary Rights of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
90. The state revenue and expenditure of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia are combined in the state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
91. The state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, after consideration by the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, shall be approved by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia or its presidium.
92. The state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a part of the budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and it shall be approved by the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia as a constituent part of the All-state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
93. The Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, within the limits established by the All-Union and Trans-Caucasus fiscal legislation and legal acts having the binding force on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia on the basis of this Constitution, shall establish the rules for drafting, examination, approval and execution of the state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
94. The revenue sources of the state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the expenditure of this budget shall be determined in pursuance to the legislation of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR within the limits established by the All-Union legislation.
95. All taxes and duties on the territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be introduced in conformity to the All-Union legislation.
98. All local revenues and expenditures are combined in the local budgets in conformity to the All-Union and Trans-Caucasus SFSR legislation and to the legal acts issued by the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia for development of the aforementioned legislation. The rules for drafting, examination, approval and execution of the local budget shall be established on the basis of same order.
100. The reports on implementation of the budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be approved by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Chapter VII.
The Coat of Arms, Flag and Capital City of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
101. The coat of arms of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia consists of the background with the landscape of Abkhazia on which a golden scythe and hammer are places. On the top there is a five-pointed star in sun-rays. The coat of arms is surrounded by corn, tobacco and grape wreath inscribes in three languages, Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian: „Abkhaz SSR“ and „Workers pf all the Countries, Unite!“
102. The state flag of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia consists of red cloth or purple linen, in the left top corner of which are placed scythe and hammer and above them the five-pointed star surrounded with a golden swath, inscribed four letters: ASSR. The size 1:2.
103. The capital of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is city of Sukhum.
27 October 1926
(The Congresses of Soviets of the USSR, Union and Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics, v. 6., p. 711-729)
INSTRUCTION on elections of the Workers, Peasants and Red Army deputies and on con-
vocation of the Congresses of the Soviets
10. The following electoral commissions will be set up for the Soviet Elections:
a) Central Electoral Commission;
b) Electoral Commissions of the Union Republic of Abkhazia, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
(…)
11. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall act in a capacity of the Central Electoral Commission in order to lead the elections in the whole of the Republic. This Commission consists of 17 members. It shall include: Chairman and the representatives of the Central Executive Committee; representatives from the Trade Union Council; representative of the Young Leninian’s Communist Union (Komsomol), representative of the Women’s Department of the Communist Party of Georgia, representative of the Red Army, representative of the national minorities, workers – engaged in the enterprises, peasants – engaged in agriculture activity.
(…)
12. The Presidiums of the Central Executive Committees of the Union Republic of Abkhazia, Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia represent the electoral commissions. These commission shall consist of 11 members: Chairman – approved by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia; two representatives from the respective executive committee; one from trade union, one from Komsomol, one from Women’s Local Department; one from respective City Council; one from minorities, one from Red Army and two from Peasants’ Society. The aforementioned Commission shall operate on the basis of this Instruction.
17. In Sukhumi, Batumi and Tskhinvali the elections will be organized respectively by the Electoral Commissions of the Union Republic of Abkhazia, Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia. The Presidiums of the Executive Committees of the aforementioned entities may set up Electoral Commissions in the mentioned cities for organizing the elections.
19. In the Electoral Precincts of the city Tbilisi the Presidium of Executive committee of Tbilisi shall set up the precinct commissions composed of five members. The Chairmen of these precincts will be appointed by the Executive Committee of Tbilisi City. In addition, the Garrison Electoral Commission will be set up upon the same rule for organizing the lections at the military units dislocated there.
Note: The Electoral Commissions may be set up on the basis of the rules specified for in this Article in Sukhumi, Batumi, Poti and in the central towns of the districts by the presidiums of the central executive committees of the Union Republic of Abkhazia, Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Poti City Executive Committee and the Presidiums of the District Executive Committees respectively.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia S. Todria
22 December 1926
(Collection of Laws and Decrees adopted by the Workers and Peasants Government of the Georgian SSR, N7, 1926, p. 414)
1927
EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES N1 OF THE SITTING OF THE SMALL PRESIDIUM IF
THE CEC OF THE TRANS-CAUCASUS
13 January 1927
Heard: on the Supreme Governing Organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia (Minutes of the Presidium of the Trans-Caucasus CEC, N 5; 1926); file N 0012/1/18
Decided:
Considering timely the reorganization of the supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia, comrade Shaverdov shall submit the report on this issue to the relevant governing organ.
Secretary of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus A. Shaverdov
Authentic with original: Technical assistance of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR
Khoroshilova (signed)
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc. I, file 961, p. 1)
DECREE on the City Soviets of the Georgian SSR issued by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Georgian SSR
In accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee Decrees:
2. The City Soviets in Tbilisi, Batumi, Sukhumi, Kutaisi, Chiatura and Gori shall elect the chairman and the Presidium composed of no more than 25 people in Tbilisi and 11 in other cities.
10. The City Soviets shall be elected upon the following rule: in Tbilisi - 1 deputy for 200 electors, in Kutaisi – for 150, in Batumi – for 100, in Sukhumi, Chiatura, Gori, Poti, Khashuri, Borjomi and Samtredia – for 50.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia S. Todria
25 January 1927
(Messenger of the CEC and the Council of Public Commissars of Georgia, N 3-4, 1927, p. 5-7)
MINUTES OF THE SEVENTH CONGRESS OF THE WORKERS, PEASANTS AND RED
ARMY DEPUTIES OF SOUTH OSSETIA
12-16 March 1927
Heard:
On unification of North and South Ossetia.
Decided:
8. Expressing the will of the Working Masses of South Ossetia, the Seventh Congress of the Councils of South Ossetia reaffirms the Resolutions of the previous Congresses on unification of the North and South Ossetia. For better cultural and economic development of the both parts of Ossetia the Congress deems necessary to unite them. The Congress welcomes the steps made in this direction and not foreseeing the impediments in positive resolution of this issue, entrusts the CEC with the task of working more vigorously for unification of the North and South Ossetia.
Chairman A. Jatiev
Secretary S. Kozaev
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc.1, file 363, p. 23-30)
MINUTES N 14 OF THE SITTING OF THE PRESIDIUM OF CEC OF THE TRANS-CAUCA-
SUS of 1 June 1927
Heard: 12. On reorganizations of supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia (Minutes N 21 of the CEC Presidium of the Trans-Caucasus; 18-27) file N 0012/14/13
Decided: to ask the Central Executive Committees of Azerbaijan and Georgia about the reasons of failure in reorganizing the supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia pursuant to Decree issued by the Presidium of the Trans-Caucasus CEC of 30 March 1926.
Secretary of the Trans-Caucasus CEC (signed)
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc.I, file 363, p. 23-30)
EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES N 21 OF THE SITTING OF SMALL PRESIDIUM OF THE TRANSCAUCASUS CEC of 15 September 1927
Heard: on reorganization of the supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia. File N 0012
Decided: To ask the Central Executive Committee of the USSR to retain the existing governing organs in Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia until the next Elections of Soviets due to the complexity of reorganization of the supreme governing organs of the aforementioned Oblasts.
The issue shall be submitted to the governing organ.
Secretary of the Trans-Caucasus CEC
Authentic with original
(CSHANFG, f. 607, desc. 1, file 754, p. 64)
1928
RESOLUTION on approval of the Regulations of the City Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies (adopted at the Third Session of the Fourth Convocation of the CEC of Georgia)
The Central Executive committee of Georgia Decrees:
1. To approve and introduce on the whole territory of Georgia the Regulations (attached) of the City Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies.
5. To propose to the Central Executive Committees of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the Soviet Socialist Autonomous Republic of Adjara introduce the changes to their legislation that proceed from the Regulations specified for in Article 1 of this Resolution.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the central Executive Committee of All-Georgia Sh. Matikashvili
Batumi, 29 January 1928
(Collection of laws and decrees adopted by the government of the Georgian SSR; N 3, 1928, p. 38)
REGULATIONS of the City Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies
Chapter 1
General Provisions
1. The Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies shall be arranged in the cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, Sukhumi, Kutaisi, Gori, Poti, Chiatura, Khashuri, Borjomi and Samtredia on the basis of the following Articles.
38. For the purposes of management, the City Soviets shall elect the chairman and the presidium consisting of not more than 25 members for Tbilisi and not more than 15 members for the other cities; the candidates (Substitutes) to the membership shall be elected in amount of 1/3 of the composition of the Presidium.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia Sh. Matikashvili
29 January 1928
(Collection of laws and decrees adopted by the government of the Georgian SSR, N 3, 1928, p. 38-58)
MINUTES N 3 OF THE SESSION OF THE TRANS-CAUCASUS CEC of 6 February 1928
Chaired by comrade M. Tskhakaia
Attended: Chairman of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus comrade S. Kasiani; members of the Presidium – comrades A. Shaverdov, M. D. Bagirov, A. Gegechkori, V. Sturua, A Nazaretyan, M. D. Husseinov, and D. Buniat-Zade.
Candidates to the membership of the Presidium: comrades – A. Javakhishvili, E. Torikashvili, A. Ter-Vartanov, V. Mzareulashvili, S. Evoyan.
Secretary of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus: comrade I. Tagiev
The Secretary of the Trans-Caucasus CEC of the CP (B): comrade M. Orakhelashvili
Secretary of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus of the CP(B): comrade M. Orakhelashvili
From the organizational committee of the CEC of the CP(B): S. Shaverdov.
Head of Organizational Department of the Trans-Caucasus CEC: comrade Ph. Melnikov
Heard: 2. on reorganization of supreme governing organs of the autonomous oblasts of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia (Protocol N 21 of the Trans-Caucasus CEC Presidium; 1927)
Decided: to propose to the central executive committees of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia to prepare the issue on reorganizations of supreme governing organs of the autonomous oblasts of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia submit it to the next Congress of Soviets.
(CSHANFG, f. 607, desc. 1, file 1900, p. 7)
MINUTES N 3 OF THE SITTING OF THE CEC PRESIDIUM OF THE GEORGIAN SOVIET
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC of 6 February 1928
Heard: on reorganization of the supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia. (Minutes N 21 of the Presidium of the Trans-Caucasus CEC, p.3; 1927)
Decided: Confirming the failure in implementing the Resolutions on reorganization of the supreme governing organs of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia adopted by Trans-Caucasus CEC on 30 March 1926 and 1 June 1927, Central Executive Committees of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall be proposed to implement these Resolution in Autumn of this year in time of elections of the Councils. They shall elaborate within three months the relevant drafts of the Regulations on the Executive Committees of the aforementioned oblasts of Nagorny Karabakh and South Ossetia and submit them to the Presidium of the Presidium of the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus for preliminary approval.
Secretary of the CEC: (signed)
10 February 1928
Tbilisi, the Palace
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc. 1, file 961, p. 2)
INSTRUCTION for the activity of the Council of Public Commissars and the Economic Council of the Georgian SSR
(Approved by the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR on 10 April 1928)
(…)
II. Composition of the council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR and of the Economic Council and the officials authorized to participate at the sittings.
(…)
7. The following persons, in addition to the aforementioned ones, are authorized to attend the sittings with the deliberative vote:
d) The Chairmen of the Central Executive Committees of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia;
e) Chairman of the councils of public commissars of the Abkhaz SSR and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
(…)
9. The persons identified in Articles 4 (6) and of this Instruction are authorized to participate in the sittings of the Economic council of the Georgian SSR with the deliberative vote.
(…)
14. The following organs and persons are authorized to submit the issues for consideration to the Council of Public Commissars and to the Economic Council:
o) The Central Executive Committees and Presidiums, also the councils of public commissars and chairman of the Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR and of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
(…)
16. For the purpose of agreement and submission the conclusions and grounded assessments on the drafts, the following terms shall be introduced from the day of submission:
b) two-weeks term from the District Executive Committees and from the Governments of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia if the draft needs agreement of these organs.
(…)
59. The copy of the Sittings of the Council of People’s commissars and of the Economic Council, authorized by a Secretary, shall be sent to the following organs and officials:
d) the Councils of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz SSR and the Adjarian ASSR, the Central Executive Committee of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and the Executive Committees of Districts of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
(Instruction for the activity of the Council of Public Commissars and the Economic Council of the Georgian SSR. Tbilisi, 1928, p. 3-19)
EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF THE SMALL PRESIDIUM OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE Committee of All-Georgia
Subject to be discussed:
On reorganization of the highest organs of State authority of South Ossetia…
Resolution
To set up commission for elaboration and consideration of this issue consisting of the following members:
1. Comrade Vardzieli (Chairman)
2. Sh. Matikashvili
3. Jatiev
The Commission shall submit the conclusions to the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee not later than within two weeks.
For the Chairman of the CEC – Sturua
Secretary of the CEC – Vardzieli
(…)
25 July 1928
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc. 1, file 961, p. 8)
REGULATIONS of the Central Statistical Department of the Soviet Socialist Republic of
Georgia
I. General provisions
1. The Central Statistical Department of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall organize the statistic works on the territory of the Georgian SSR, direct, coordinate and control the statistic works provided for the General Plan of the All-Union and the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, and execute the statistic operations in conformity to this Regulation.
2. The Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR shall enjoy all the right prescribed by the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and the Regulations of the People’s Commissariats to the latter.
3. In executing the directive of the Central Statistical Departments of the USSR and the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, the Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR shall be directly subordinate to the Central Executive Committee of Georgia and its Presidium and to the Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
4. The Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR shall carry out the All-Union, Trans-Caucasus and Republican statistics works under the general guidance of the Central Statistical Department of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and in accordance to the Program elaborated by the latter.
5. The Central Statistical Department shall exercise its function directly or through the District statistical divisions and the Central Statistical Departments of the Union Republic of Abkhaz SSR, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the Statistic Bureau of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
Note: participation of the Central Statistical Departments of the Union Republic of the Abkhaz SSR, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and of the Statistical Bureau of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia in the works relating to the census, as well as in execution of special tasks shall be decided by the Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR.
II. The matters under the jurisdiction of the
Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR.
1. The Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR shall:
b) carry out general guidance to the district statistical divisions and the central statistical departments of the autonomous republics, and to the statistical bureau of the autonomous oblast;
j) approve the programs and action plan of the statistic works of the district executive committees, union and autonomous republics and autonomous oblast.
i) summarize and deliberate the statistic materials collected by the statistical departments of the union and autonomous republics, autonomous oblast, People’s Commissariats and other state organs, as well as the enterprises and organizations subordinate to the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia;
j) develop the effective methodology for statistics works and distribute them as an obligatory guidance to the statistics agencies and statistics departments of the Union and Autonomous Republics, the statistic bureau of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast, institutions and enterprises of Republican significance; carry out the measures for rationalization of statistic works;
k) deliver the statistical data to the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia, the State Planning Committee and other state organs of the Union and Autonomous Republics included in Georgia on the questions raised by the said bodies, and if collection of such data doesn’t require additional statistic works;
IV. The competence of the structural entities
of the Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR
12. The Central Statistical Department of the Georgian SSR, in line of the statistic planning commission, shall:
d) approve the programs and action plans of the statistics works of the executive committees of the Union and Autonomous Republics and autonomous oblast;
f) exercise monitoring over realization of statistics works of the People’s Commissariats, organizations and agencies, as well as over the implementation of approved plans on statistics works of the Union and Autonomous Republics and Autonomous oblast.
g) review the reports of the Central Statistical Departments of the Union and Autonomous Republics, as well as of the Statistics Bureau of the Autonomous Oblast on implementation of Federative and Republican plans, and provide the relevant information to the corresponding governmental organs or to the Central Statistical Department of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR.
Note 1. The representatives of relevant organizations, enterprises and institutions, as well as of respective district executive committees, Union and Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Oblast shall be invited to the discussion of issues specified for under sub-sections b), c), d), and g).
31 October 1928
(Collection of laws and Decrees of the Workers and Peasants Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, N 16, 1928, p. 319-324)
1929
REGULATIONS on the Local Statistics Agencies
Chapter 1
1. General provisions
1. The following agencies shall be considered as the local statistics agencies of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia:
a) The Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSE, the statistics department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
b) The statistics departments of districts and cities.
c) The statisticians of the regions.
2. The agencies listed in Article 1 of this Regulation represent the local agencies of the Central Statistics Department of the Georgian SSR and lead the statistic activity of the local importance.
3. The Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSE, the statistics department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, statistics departments of the districts and cities shall submit the plans and programmes of statistic works to the Central Statistics Department of the Georgian SSR for consideration and approval.
Chapter II
The structure of the local statistics agencies of the Georgian SSR
1. The Statistics Departments of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia
6. The Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSR, the statistics department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall carry out their activity on the basis of the authority of the Joint Commissariat of Autonomous Republic.
7. The statistics departments are led by: the Head of Department – in the Abkhaz SSR and Autonomous SSR of Adjara; Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia to the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast. They shall be appointed under the General Regulations of the Public Commissariats of the autonomous republics and oblast of Georgia.
8. The Statistics Departments of the Abkhaz SSR and Autonomous SSR of Adjara, as well as the Office of the Representative of the central Statistics Department of Georgia to South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall consist of:
a) Head of Statistics Department and the Representative (respectively)
b) Division of Social Statistics;
c) Division of Agriculture Statistics;
d) Division of Industry and Labour Statistics;
e) Division of Trade Statistics;
f) General Division (Chancellery).
Chapter III.
The Competence of the local agencies of the
Central Statistics Department of the Georgian SSR
a) The Statistics Departments of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
13. The competence of the Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be as follows:
a) to arrange and lead the local statistics agencies;
b) to draw-up the annual and prospective plans of the statistic activities and submit them to the Central Statistics Department of the Georgian SSR.
c) to consider the plans of statistics activities of the Public Commissariats and other organizations; to determine the volume of statistic work and the rules of proceedings with further submission them to the Central Statistics Department of the Georgian SSR;
d) to make conclusions on the statistics activity carried out by the Public Commissariats and other central agencies outside of the approved annual plans and their justification with the general statistic plans;
e) to elaborate the programmes and organizational plans for certain research and study works;
f) to implement the tasks entrusted by the Central Statistics Department of the Georgia SSR;
g) to carry out the census at the local level;
h) to sum-up and analysis the statistic material collected by the statistics department of the Abkhaz SSR, Statistics Department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia to the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast as it is considered at the relevant working plans;
i) to carry out the statistical tasks entrusted by the governments of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia;
j) to carry out the measures for gaining the knowledge and training of the staff working at the statistic agencies;
k) to provide the statistic information upon the request of the state agencies;
m) to organize the statistic works and draw-up the methodology for statistic activities;
Chapter IV.
The rights and responsibilities of the local statistic agencies of the Georgian SSR
a) Statistics Departments of the Autonomous Republics and Oblast.
24. The Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSR, the statistics department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, for fulfillment of the tasks, shall be authorized:
a) to request the statistic information from any state, commercial, industrial or private agencies that shall be ready at the fixed time;
b) to issue the instructions, circular notes and guidelines according the laws currently in force;
c) to supervise the accuracy of the statistics activity carried out by the agencies, organizations and persons operating on the territory of the autonomous republic and oblast, as well as the fulfillment of decrees and resolutions relating to the statistics activity that are binding to them.
d) to draw-up the conclusions on the financial and personnel arrangements of the statistic works submitted by the public Commissariats of the autonomous republic or oblast.
25. Every state, economic or public organization and enterprise, as well as the private entities and persons shall submit within a month two copies of published materials issues by them to the Statistics Department of the Abkhaz SSR, the statistics department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and to the Office of the Representative of the Central Statistics Department of Georgia at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
30 January 1929
(Collection of Laws and Decrees Issued by the Workers and peasants Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, N 8, 1928, p. 174-184)
REGULATIONS on the Extraordinary Measures for Maintaining the Revolutionary Order in the Georgian SSR
I. General Provisions
1. In case of breach of the normal public order, the extraordinary measures can be introduced in a form of special situation or the state of emergency.
2. The special situation can be introduced:
a) In case of counter-revolutionary encroachment upon the workers and peasants government or its certain representatives, or if there is a threat of such actions.
b) In case of frequent infringement of the individuals and the citizens’ property
c) In case of breach of normal life due to the calamities;
d) As a provisional measure for restoration of public order on the territories, this has been under the state of emergency;
3. The State of Emergency can be introduced:
a) In cases provided for in Article 2 if the measures taken on the basis of special situation fail to protect and restore the revolutionary order;
b) If certain territory becomes the place of military operations or has special importance for military purposes;
4. The introduction of special measures for protecting the revolutionary order shall be considered valid from the moment of announcing the Decree issued by the relevant organ through publishing in the local newspaper or posting the official announcement in many places. The exact term of introduction of the special measures shall be pointed out in the announcement.
5. After removing the extraordinary measures introduced in the course of special situation or the state of emergency, validity of all of the decrees or instructions issued by the competent organ shall be terminated without adopting of any special resolution.
II. Extraordinary Situation
6. Extraordinary Situation shall be introduced on the basis of the Decree issued by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia upon submission of the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR or the central executive committees of the Union SSR of Abkhazia, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia.
7. The central executive committees of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as the District and Regional executive committees and their presidiums are entitled to introduce the special situation in the following cases: a) if there is no possibility to communicate to the central power, or b) if the immediate measures are necessary and calls for the introduction of special situation is inevitable.
The central executive committees of the aforementioned republics and autonomous oblast shall inform promptly the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR or the Central Executive Committee of Georgia about introducing the special measures.
8. The Decree shall state the exact place (republic, autonomous oblast, district, city) subject to the Extraordinary Situation.
9. The Extraordinary Situation shall be introduced no more then three-month term. Extension of the term shall be carried out in accordance of rules specified for in Article 6. Pre-term termination of the extraordinary situation shall be carried out on the basis of Decree issued by the Presidium of the central Executive Committee of Georgia.
10. In time of extraordinary situation the whole power under the competence of the District executive committee (in the places where such is not established – of the regional executive committees and in the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia – of the Central Executive committee) shall be taken by their Presidiums.
The respective presidiums shall decide the issue on convening the Executive Committees.
11. If the Extraordinary Situation is introduced on the whole territory of the District, the respective Presidium of the Central Executive Committee may appoint, upon submission of the Council of Public Commissars, the plenipotentiary representative to chair the Presidium of the District Executive Committee.
12. The Presidium of the district executive committee shall inform promptly the relevant Public Commissariat of Internal Affairs about the measures taken in the course of Extraordinary Situation.
III. Martial Law
15. The martial law on the territory that is not the theatre of war shall be introduced on the basis of Decree issued by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR.
The martial law may be introduced upon the Decree of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia on the very exceptional basis; such decision shall be promptly delivered to the presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Trans-Caucasus of the USSR.
16. When: 1) there is no possibility to communicate to the central organs of the USSR, either to the central organs of Georgian SSR, or 2) the situation needs immediate interference – the central executive committees of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as the District executive committees are authorized to introduce the martial law and deliver this decision for approval to the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR through the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia and the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Trans-Caucasus.
17. The supreme power on the territory, which is the subject of introduction of the martial law, shall be given the military-revolutionary committees operating on the basis of Regulations approved by the Central Executive Committee of Georgia.
(...)
27 October 1929
(CSHANFG, f. 284, desc 1, file 1119, p. 415-420)
1930
DECREE on Changes and amendments to the Regulations of the Procurator’s Office (Procu-
racy) of the Georgian SSR adopted by the CEC and the Council of Public Commissars (CPC)
The Central Executive Committee and the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR decrees:
1. To add section (a) to Articles 10 and 11 to the Regulations of the Procurator’s Office of Georgia approved be the CEC and CPC of the Georgian SSR on 21 February 1930 (collection of the Laws of the Georgian SSR; 1930; N9; Art.72) with following wording:
10. The Prosecutor of the Georgian SSR shall:
a) supervise the observance of the Constitutions and legislations of the Georgian SSR, the USSR and the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, as well as the lawfulness of the decrees and resolutions adopted by the central executive committees and presidiums of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia; the information about violation shall be delivered to the Presidium of the CEC of Georgia.
Article 11. The Procurator of the Georgian SSR is authorized:
a) to ask through the procurators of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia for the copies of the information and notifications, as well as of decisions, rulings, verdicts and conclusions on the certain cases being under the proceedings at the judiciary institutions of the aforementioned republics and oblast necessary for exercising the duties specified for in Article 9 and also, when the Prosecutor deems necessary, the original case file, judgments and decisions on the cases that went into the legal force.
b) to propose to the prosecutors of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia filing the protest to the superior organs, including the Presidiums of the relevant central executive committees against the decisions and instructions of the central and local organs of the mentioned republics and oblast if they contradict the constitution of the Georgian SSR, legislation of the USSR, Trans-Caucasus SSR and the legislation that is in force on the whole territory of the Georgian SSR;
c) to suspend, through the Procurators of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia the implementation of decisions, verdicts, judgments and conclusions made by the judicial institutions of these republics and the oblast.
2. To change Article 12 of this Regulation as follows:
“The Procurator of the Georgian SSR shall annually submit to the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee the report on his activity, as well as of the subordinate procurators, including the procurators of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia”.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia M. Tskhakaia
Deputy Chairman of the Council
of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR G. Mgaloblishvili
Acting Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia T. Zhgenti
22 August 1930
(Collection of the laws and Decrees of the Workers and Peasants Government of the Georgian SSR, N 16, 1930, p. 531-532)
INSTRUCTION on the Elections of the Councils of the Workers, Peasants and Red Army Men Deputies and of the Congresses of Soviets
Chapter III
Electoral Commissions
12. For the Soviet elections the following electoral commissions shall be set up:
a) Central Electoral Commission;
b) The electoral commissions of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia;
c) District electoral commissions;
d) City electoral commissions;
e) Village electoral commissions.
13. The Central Electoral Commission shall consist of 23 members of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia, which will organize and hold the elections in the whole of the Republic.
14. The electoral commissions of the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall consist of members the presidiums of the central executive committees accordingly. These commissions shall include: chairman, two representatives of relevant central executive committees, one representative from the trade unions, one representative from the Union of Young Leninians (Komsomol), one representative form the working women’s local committee, one representative from the local city council, one representative of the national minority, one representative from the Red Army and Navy, one worker from the industrial enterprise, one peasant, one from the Peasants’ Mutual Aid Association and from other public organizations (economic entities, “Defence -Aviachemistry” etc.).
The members of the aforementioned electoral commissions shall be approved by the presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the relevant republics or oblast, and the chairmen shall be appointed by the Presidium of the central executive committee of Georgia upon nomination of the Central electoral commission.
16. The city electoral commissions, upon the decree of the relevant council, shall be set up in Poti, Gori, Stalinisi, Borjomi, Chiatura and Samtredia.
19. The members of Batumi and Sukhumi city electoral commissions shall be approved by the relevant district or city executive committee; the chairmen, upon nomination of the electoral commission of the republic shall be appointed by the presidiums of the Presidiums of the central executive committees of the Abkhaz SSR and the Autonomous SSR of Adjara accordingly.
20. The members of the city electoral commissions of Gori, Stalinisi, Borjomi, Chiatura and Samtredia shall be approved by the respective city councils and the chairmen shall be appointed by the relevant district executive committee.
21. Upon decision of the city councils, the auxiliary electoral commissions may be set up at the big factories, plants and other enterprises of the cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Sukhumi and Kutaisi.
89. The delegates to the Soviet Congress of Georgia shall be the representatives of the Soviet Congress of Abkhaz SSR, the Autonomous SSR of Adjara, Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia and the districts – one delegate from each 10 000 of residents from the local councils where the delegates are elected on the basis of number of population, and one delegate from each 2000 of residents where the delegates are elected on the basis of number of voters…
90. The Soviets of the Abkhaz SSR, the Autonomous SSR of Adjara, the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia… simultaneously to the elections of delegates to the Soviet Congress of the Georgian SSR, shall elect the delegates to the Soviet Congress of the Trans-Caucasus: from the Abkhaz SSR, Autonomous SSR of Adjara, the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia… one delegate from each 15 000 of from the local councils where the delegates are elected on the basis of number of population, and one delegate from each 3000 of residents where the delegates are elected on the basis of number of voters…
(…)
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia M. Tskhakaia
Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia S. Todria
9 November 1930
(Collection of the laws and Decrees of the Workers and Peasants Government of the Georgian SSR, N 22, 1930, p. 661-682)
1931
RESOLUTION VI CONGRESS OF THE SOVIETS OF ABKHAZIA about the changes in the
Constitution
11 February 1931
Chairman . . . (Bagapsh - author). On the issue of the approved agenda the floor is given to comrade Lagvilava.
Lagvilava: between the V and VI congresses of the Soviets of Abkhazia the certain constitutional changes have been introduced. The Congress shall approve these changes.
First of all the title of the Constitution of the Abkhaz SSR shall be as follows:
“The Basic Law of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia”.
In Article 2 and 7, wherever it’s said: “On the Basis of Special Treaty”, shall be changed now and instead write down “the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia”.
The second change that took place between V and VI Congresses. You know that we had the Central Executive Committee and the Council of Public Commissars. Now we have reorganized them and merged the Central Executive Committee and the Council of Public Commissars into one organ – the Central Executive Committee and the relevant Public Commissariats attached to it. The Council of Public Commissariats doesn’t exist any more.
These are the principal changes we wanted to report you about.
Chairman: those who support the approval of these changes please raise your hands.
(adopted).
(Jemal Gamakharia, Badri Gogia; Abkhazia – Historical Region of Georgia, p. 503-504)
RESOLUTION OF VI CONGRESS OF COUNCILS OF WORKERS, PEASANTS AND RED
ARMY DEPUTIES OF THE GEORGIAN SSR “on joining of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as the autonomous republic”
19 February 1931
VI Congress of Councils of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies of the Georgian SSR:
a) considering necessary, and for successful implementation of the tasks of socialist developments on the basis of general plan of the public economy brought up before the working masses of the USSR and for fraternal cooperation of the workers and peasants of these republics;
b) pursuant to the will of workers of Abkhazia, who adopted the Resolution at VI Congress of Councils of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies of the Georgian SSR on joining of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as the autonomous republic, decrees:
1. On the basis of Article 9 of the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Georgian SSR, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be included within the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as the autonomous republic applying to it the authority specified for in the aforementioned Basic Law.
2. The Treaty, concluded between Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz SSR on 16 December of 1921 shall be considered null and void.
Chairman Ph. Makharadze
Secretary S. Todria
(Congresses of the Soviets of the USSR, union and autonomous republics; vol. 6, p. 557, Abkhaz Soviets (1921-1937), p. 248-249)
(RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT THE VI CONGRESS OF THE COUNCILS OF THE WORK
ERS, PEASANTS AND READ ARMY DEPUTIES OF GEORGIA) on changes to the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
The Sixth Congress of the Councils of the Workers, Peasants and Read Army Deputies of Georgia, on the basis of Article 19, section “a” of the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Georgian SSR decrees:
To introduce to the Basic law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia the following changes:
To give to Articles 9, 20(i), 23, 25, 40, 44, 48, 49, 54, 55, 57, 64, 78, 80 the following wording:
“Art. 9, (section 3) The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, on the basis of the aforementioned grounds, includes the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia”
“Art. 20 (the jurisdiction of the All-Georgian Congress of Soviets and of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia covers :)”
i) Revoke and suspend the Resolutions of the Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics an of the Autonomous oblast and their Central Executive Committees, as well as of the congresses of the District Soviets and district executive committees if they violate the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and the decrees issued by the legislative organs.
“Art. 23. All-Georgian Congress of Soviets consists of representatives of the Soviets of Autonomous Republics and Oblast, congresses of district and City Soviets and the representatives of rural settlements not included in the districts on the basis of following representation: one deputy for 10000 inhabitants from the residential areas where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of population, and one deputy for 2000 electors where the Soviets are elected on the basis of number of voters”
“Article 40. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee has the right to suspend and revoke the decrees and orders issued by the People’s Commissars and his central state organs, Central Executive Committees of the Autonomous Republics, autonomous Oblast and district executive committees, as well as the Resolutions adopted at the Congress of Soviets of Autonomous Republics, Oblasts and Districts”
“Article 78. For direct management of autonomous branches of state administration (education, healthcare, social protection, administrative supervision, militia and courts) Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Republics and Oblasts shall form the relevant republican and oblast organs, as well as the bodies for administration of branches of on the territory of Autonomous republics and oblasts (agriculture and industry). The representatives of the People’s Commissariats of Finance, Labour, Supply and Worker’s and Peasant’s Inspectorate of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall function at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Republics and Oblast.
The organs of agriculture and industry management, subordinate to the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Republics and Oblast shall execute the orders and tasks of the People’s Commissariat of Agriculture and of the Supreme Council of the Public Economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia; these organs shall be accountable to the executive committees of the Autonomous Republics and Oblast”.
“Art. 80. The Central Executive Committees of the Autonomous Republics and Oblast shall have the right to reduce the number of organs specified for in Article 78 of this Basic Law (Constitution), merging certain aforementioned functions into one organ”.
“Art. 100. All state incomes and expenditures of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall be incorporated into the all-state budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia”.
(…)
Chairman of the VI Congress of All-Georgian Soviets Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the VI Congress of All-Georgian Soviets S. Todria
19 February 1931
(Resolutions adopted at the VI Congress of the Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies. Tbilisi, 1931, p. 45-52/in Russian)
@
RESOLUTION of the Sixth Congress of Soviets of the USSR
(…)
The sixth Congress of the USSR . . . decrees:
To introduce the following changes to the Constitution of the USSR:
5) To formulate Article 10 of the Constitution of the USSR as follows:
“The delegates to the Congress of Soviets of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics shall be elected:
a) directly at the congresses of the Soviets of Union Republics not having the Regional and Oblast division of the territory; b) at the Regional and oblast Congresses of Soviets of the Union Republics having the Regional and Oblast division of the territory; c) at the Congresses of the Soviets of the Soviet Socialist Republics of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia and at the congresses of the autonomous republics and oblasts included, or not included within the Regional and Oblast unions”
(…)
17 march 1931
(Constitution and the Constitutional acts of the USSR (1922-1936). Collection of Documents. Moscow, 1940, p. 132-135/in Russia)
REGULATIONS on the Fiscal Authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic andOblasts of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR
I. On the territories of each of the autonomous socialist republics of Abkhazia, Adjara and Nakhichevan, and of the autonomous oblasts of South Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh the budget of the republic or oblast is formed and applied, as well as the budgets of the administrative-territorial entities included within these republics and oblasts.
II. The volume of the budget of the autonomous soviet socialist republics and oblasts shall be in accord with the rules of this Regulation, and the budgets of the administrative- territorial entities that are included within these republics and oblasts shall be in accord with the Regulations on Local Fiscal Affairs and other relevant legal acts issued by the USSR, Trans-Caucasus SFSR and the republics included within the Trans-Caucasus SFSR.
III. The part of revenue of the budgets of the autonomous republics of Abkhazia, Adjara and Nakhichevan, as well as of autonomous oblasts of South Ossetia and Nagorny Karabakh shall include:
a) the payments given below from the socialized enterprises and properties located on their territories and having the republican or oblast importance:
1. 100% deduction from the profit, planed by the UCPE (Union Council of Public Economy), of industrial entities.
2. 100% deduction from the profit of industrial entities subordinate to other institutions.
3. 100% deduction from the profit of agriculture enterprises.
4. 100% deduction from the rental payments for usage of the state land property.
5. 50% deduction from the rental payment for usage of fishing and hunting spaces.
6. 100% deduction from the profit of trade organizations.
7. 100% deduction from the profit of shipping companies.
8. 100% dividend accumulated on the shares of budgetary organizations and agencies.
9. 100% of income from selling of the useless and futile property, organizations and agencies subject to state financing.
10. 100% of income from fines and penalties imposed by the budgetary organs of the republics and oblasts.
11. 100% of income on estimates of the organizations and agencies of the autonomous republics and oblasts.
12. The receipts tax determined under the regulations.
b) the payments given below from the non-socialized enterprises and properties located on their territories:
1. 100% accrual from the rent for usage of lands owned by republics and oblasts.
2. 100% accrual from leasing concession of the republics and oblasts.
3. 100% accrual from confiscated and escheat property, as well as from the property in abeyance.
4. 100% of income from fines and penalties imposed by the budgetary organs of the republics and oblasts.
c) In addition to the payments from socialized and non-socialized properties, the budgets of the republics and oblasts shall include:
1. Income from the credits provided by the autonomous republics or oblasts.
2. Incomes from the loan recovery included in the budgets of the republics and oblasts.
3. Special subsidy from the state assets.
4. Accrual to the republican and oblast funds of regulation.
5. The following shall be included in the expenditure part of the republican and oblast budgets:
VI. Expenditures of the budgets of the republics and oblasts:
1. Expenditure for elections of the congresses of the autonomous republics and oblasts, as well as for maintaining the relevant central executive committee or oblast executive committee and the organs and agencies dealing with:
a) administrative affairs (except of OGPU)
b) agriculture affairs
c) health-care
d) social protection
e) Institutions of judiciary, investigation, Public prosecution and education, pursuant to the current legislation, except the institutions specified in this Article as the budgetary institutions of the administrative-territorial entities of the autonomous republics and oblasts operating on the basis of the Local Fiscal Regulations.
2. Expenditure for financing of public economy having the republican of oblast importance, namely for financing of industry, agriculture, trade, construction, housing and communal services, roads, resorts, as well as the other expenditures for financing the economic enterprises and measures aimed at developing the republics and oblasts.
3. Expenditure for clearing off the loan interest.
4. Aid to the administrative-territorial entities assigned from the funds of regulation of the republics and oblasts.
V. The Central Executive Committee of the respective autonomous republic or oblast shall regulate the budget of the administrative-territorial entity through its republican or oblast budget including the part of expenditure in the form of funds of regulation.
VI. The Funds of Regulation, included in the budgets of the republics or oblasts shall be distributed between the administrative-territorial entities, central executive committees and the oblast committees of the autonomous republics and oblasts in accordance of Regulations on Local Finances.
VII. The budgets of the autonomous soviet socialist republics and the autonomous soviet socialist oblasts, as well as the budgets of the administrative-territorial entities included within these republics and oblasts, shall be approved before the new fiscal year upon the Act issued by the Central Executive committee of the Soviet Socialist Republics an oblasts in compliance with the rules established by the legislation of the republics included within the Trans-Caucasus SFSR.
VIII. The procedures for drafting and implementing the budgets of the autonomous soviet socialist republics and oblasts, as well as for reporting and accountancy shall be determined by the legislation of the republics included within the Trans-Caucasus SFSR on the basis of the Regulations on Local Finances”
Acting Secretary of the Trans-Caucasus CEC (signed)
12 September 1931
(CSHANFG, F. 607, desc. 1, file 2860, p. 30-31; Collection of legal acts and Orders of the workers and peasants Government of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, N 17, 1931, p. 459-461)
1932
RESOLUTION on changing of Articles: 4,5,9,12,16,21,23,24,26 and 35, voiding of Article 17 and adding article 431 to the Regulations of the Central Executive Committee adopted by the CEC (Second Session of the Sixth Convocation)
The central Executive Committee of Georgia decrees:
To introduce the following changes to the Regulations of the Central Executive Committee approved by the Central Executive Committee on 12 January 1925 (Messenger of the CEC and CPC of the Georgian SSR; N 1-2-; 1925):
Article 4,5,9,12,16,23,24,25 and 35 shall be worded as follows:
5. The Central Executive Committee shall convene the extraordinary session upon the decision of the CEC and Council of public Commissars of Georgia, as well as at the request not less than one third of the members or one of the autonomous republics.
9. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee, the central executive committees of the autonomous republics and oblast, as well as the members of the Central Executive Committee shall be entitled to submit the CEC the issues for consideration.
16. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall issue the Decrees, Decisions and Instructions, consider and approve the draft-decrees and decisions submitted by the CEC and Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast, as well as of other bodies.
21. The central executive committees of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast shall be authorized to lodge the protest to the session of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia against the Resolutions issued by the Presidium of the CEC of Georgia.
23. The issues submitted by the central executive committees or the Presidiums of the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Oblast shall be discussed by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia or transferred to the Council of Public Commissars of Georgia for preliminary discussion or to the interested institutions for the preliminary conclusions.
26. The members of the Central Executive Committees of the USSR and Trans-Caucasus SFSR, the members of the Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast, as well as the other persons authorized by the legislation or special decision of the Presidium of the Central Executive committee shall be entitled to attend the sessions of the CEC Presidium with the deliberative vote.
35. A members of the Central Executive committee of Georgia shall be authorized to attend any sessions of the Autonomous Republics or Autonomous Oblast, as well as of the sittings of central and local soviet bodies with the deliberative vote.
(...)
Chairman of the CEC of Georgia Ph. Makharadze
17 June 1932
(Collection of Laws and Decrees issued by the Workers and Peasants Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, N 19, 1932, p. 398-399)
REGULATIONS of the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR
4. The following authorities shall be entitled to attend the sessions of the Council of public Commissars of the Georgian SSR with the deliberative vote:
b) A Chairman, a secretary and members of the Central Executive Committee of Georgia, and chairmen of the central executive committees of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast;
c) The heads of the governing bodies of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast and their deputies while the issues submitted by the respective central executive committees of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast are discussed;
5. In addition to the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee, the following bodies shall be authorized to submit the issues to the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR for discussion:
(…)
c) Central Executive Committees and the Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast;
(…)
17 June 1932
(Collection of Laws and Decrees issued by the Workers and Peasants Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, N 19, 1932, p. 400-403)
GENERAL REGULATIONS of the Public Commissariats of the Georgian SSR
Chapter I
The Public Commissariats of the Georgian SSR
(…)
3. The Public Commissariats shall be entrusted with the following tasks:
7. The Central Executive Committees and Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast are authorized to suspend the Decree issued by the Public Commissariat of the Georgian SSR if this decree contradicts the current legislation.
The Central Executive Committee or its presidium of the autonomous republics or autonomous oblast shall promptly inform the Council of Public Commissars and the relevant Public Commissariat of the Georgian SSR about suspending the validity of the decree.
9. The Commissariats of Supply and Purchasing, Municipal Economy; Finances, Labour and the Workers and Peasant Inspectorate are authorized to exercise their functions on the whole of territory of the Georgian SSR.
The abovementioned Public Commissariats shall have the representatives in the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast, who are under the direct subordination to the respective commissariat.
10. The representative of the Public Commissariat of the Georgian SSR (Article 9, section 2) shall be nominated by the Public Commissariat or the CEC of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast and approved by the Council of public Commissars of the Georgian SSR. The relevant CEC of the autonomous republics or autonomous oblast shall express the view regarding the nominated candidate; it also shall be authorized to reject the designated candidate.
Note: the appointment of the deputies to the Representatives shall be carried out in accordance of the same rule as for Representatives.
11. The Representatives of the Public Commissariats (Article 9, section 2) shall attend the sessions of the CEC Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast with the deliberative vote. The Representatives of the public Commissariats shall deliver the information regarding the activity of the public Commissariats to the CEC and Presidiums of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast and report the relevant Public Commissariat, as well as the CEC of respective autonomous republic and autonomous oblast.
12. The Commissariats of Light Industry and the Agriculture shall exercise the management of their respective fields in the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast through the through the republican and oblast bodies arranged by the CEC of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast in the filed of Light Industry and Agriculture.
13. Public Commissariats of the Light Industry and of the Agriculture of the Georgian SSR in relations with the republican and oblast bodies of the light industry and agriculture of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast shall be authorized:
a) to give them instructions and tasks and carry out the control over the implementation of the given instructions and tasks;
b) to suspend, change and countermand the decrees, which contradict the legislation or directives of the USSR, Trans-Caucasus SFSR and Georgian SSR at the same time informing the CEC of the respective autonomous republic or oblast; to file the protest to the Council of Public Commissars if such decree is issued by the CEC of the autonomous republics or oblast,
c) to establish the order and form of reporting;
d) to coordinate the arrangement of the mentioned organs, as well as of the local agencies in accordance with the established rules;
d) to elaborate the action plans;
e) to manage the funds of the mentioned branches in accordance with the established rules;
14. The Public Commissariats of Education, Health-Care and Social Protection of the Georgian SSR lead the relevant fields on the territory of the Georgian SSR that is not a part of the autonomous entities and exercise their functions on the whole territory of Georgia only in the sphere of general planning of the mentioned branches and in the sphere of issues that are regulated under the special decrees issued by the Soviet Central Executive Committee of Georgia or Council of the Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter II
The Public Commissars of Georgia
1. The Public Commissar shall be authorized to make a sole decision on the issues under the competence of the Public Commissariat and inform about this decision the Board, if such is established within the Public Commissariat.
The Public commissar shall have the exclusive authority:
d) to file the protest to the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR - in case of necessity with further submission to the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee - against the decrees issued by the CEC of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast, district executive committees and city councils.
17 June 1932
(Collection of Laws and Decrees issued by the Workers and Peasants Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, N 19, 1932, p. 404-409)
1933
REGULATIONS on the Procurator’s Office of the USSR
General Privsions
1. Strengthening of the socialist justice and protection of the public property from the anti-socity elements on the whole territory of the USSR is the principal task of the Procurator’s Office of the USSR.
2. The Procurator of the USSR, appointed by the Central Executive Committee of the USSR shall lead the Procurator’s Office of the Union of SSR.
II. The function of the Procurator’s Office of the USSR and the rules for its implementation.
4. The Procurator’s Office of the USSR shall:
d) exercise the general guiding of the Procurator’s Offices of Union Republics.
5. If the decisions and instructions issued by certain bodies of the USSR and Union Republics contradict the Constitution of the USSR and the decrees and orders of the government of the USSR, the Procurator’s Office of the USSR shall file the protest against such acts to the relevant superior organs.
The Procurator of the USSR file the protest against unlawful acts to the authorities of the union republics or local agencies, as a rule through the Procurators of the Union Republics.
6. In order to exercise the supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws by all judicial organs (Article 4, section “b”), the Procurator of the USSR is authorized: to request the case being at any stage of the proceedings or investigation for reviewing, as well as the completed cases; to file the protest to the superior judicial bodies against the verdicts and terminated the execution of judgement; to ask for the reviewing the verdicts and decisions; to issue the necessary instructions to the investigative agencies.
The Procurator of the USSR, as a rule, shall exercise the functions with regard of judicial and investigative organs of the Union Republics through the Procurators of the Union Republics.
7. The Procurator’s Office of the USSR shall launch the criminal prosecution and support the indictment:
b) on the cases being under the proceedings at the judicial institutions of the Union Republics personally, as well as through the Procurators of Union Republics.
10. The Procurator of the USSR, for the purposes of good governance, is authorized: to issue the instructions to the Procurators of Union Republics relating to their activities; to carry out inquiry and examination of the activity of the organs of Procurator’s offices of Union Republics; to receive the reports on the activity of the Procurator’s offices of Union Republics.
With the procurators of autonomous republics, regions, oblasts and districts the Procurator of the USSR, as a rule, shall communicate through the Procurators of Union Republics, and in urgent cases – personally with further notification of Procurator of the relevant republic.
The instructions and orders by the Procurator of the USSR are compulsory for all of the offices of procurators.
11. The procurators of Union Republics shall be appointed an recalled by the Procurator of the USSR upon the consent of the central executive committee of the Union Republic.
12. The procurators of the Regions, autonomous republics, districts and oblasts, as well as the procurators on the supervision of operative sectors of the OGPU shall be appointed by the Procurator of the USSR.
17 December 1933
(The Constitution and Constitutional Acts of the USSR (1922-1936), 1940, p. 145-146/in Russia)
1935
BASIC LAW (THE CONSTITUTION) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Chapter I
General Provisions
2. Republic of Abkhazia is a socialist state of workers and peasants included within the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as the Autonomous Republic and through the latter, within the Soviet Socialist Federative Republic of the Trans-Caucasus.
3. The Congress of Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies is the bearer of the supreme power of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and between the Congresses – the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
4. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia exercises the state authority on its territory independently as this authority is not restricted by the Constitution of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, either by the Constitutions of the Trans-Caucasus Soviet Federative Socialist Republic or the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics.
5. Changes of the territory under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, without consent of the latter shall be prohibited.
6. Every citizen of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, retaining the citizenship of the Republic, at the same time is a citizen of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, the Socialist Federative Soviet Republic of the Trans-Caucasus and the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic. The rights and responsibilities established by this Constitution and the legislation of the Republic for the citizens of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall apply to every citizen of the Union Soviet Republics being on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Based on the principle of solidarity of the working people of all countries and nations, the foreign citizens representing the working class and carrying out the business-activity on the territory of the Republic, as well as the farmers not using the others’ labour, are guaranteed every political rights granted by the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
7. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia recognizes the equality of rights of citizens irrespective of their nationality or race; any direct or indirect restriction of the rights of, or, conversely, any establishment of privileges for, citizens on account of their nationality, as well as any advocacy of discrimination of national minorities or restriction of their rights contradict the basic laws of the Republic.
8. Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian languages shall be used at the state agencies of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Note: 1. Every ethnic group residing on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall have the right to free development and application of its mother-tongue in national-cultural, as well as in public institutions.
2. The language for administrative-territorial entities (districts, rural communities) shall be determined by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
15. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia grants the right to asylum on its territory to foreigners being persecuted for political activity in favour of Revolution.
(…)
Chapter II
The sphere of jurisdiction of the Supreme Power
of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
17. The following shall be under the sole jurisdiction of the Congress of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia:
a) establishment of and introduction of changes and amendments to the basic principles of the Constitution of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as endorsement of partial changes of the Constitution adopted by the Central Executive Committee in time between the Congresses of the Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia with further submission of the Decrees on this issue to the All-Georgian Central Executive Committee and All-Georgian Congress of Soviets;
b) the issues related to the changes of the border of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia in conformity to the rules specified for in the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
18. The issues of the common character on the management of the autonomous state shall be under the jurisdiction of the Congress of Soviets and of the Central Executive Committee of Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, in particular:
a) General management of internal policy and public economy of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
b) Administrative division of the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
c) Establishment of the bases for the public economy and certain branches on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia in compliance with the legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Soviet Federative Socialist Republic of Trans-Caucasus and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
d) Consideration of the budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and control over its implementation;
e) Internal state legislation on the issues of autonomous state management, as well as of development of the legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia valid on the whole territory of the latter;
f) the right of pardon on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well the right of rehabilitation of political rights of citizens convicted by courts and administrative agencies of the Republic;
g) annulment and termination of the decrees of District Soviets and District Executive committees, which are not in conformity to this Constitution and the legislation of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
h) the issues within the frame of the management of the Autonomous Republic the Congress of Soviets or the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia deems necessary to be considered by them.
19. The decrees issued by the supreme bodies of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Trans-Caucasus SFSR, as well as the decrees, resolutions and Codes valid on the whole territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia are binding on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
No other bodies, except of the Congress of Soviets or the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and in certain cases it Presidium, shall be authorized to issue the legal act of state significance on the territory of Abkhazia.
Chapter III.
Organization of the State Authority
The Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
20. The Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall consist of the representatives of the District and City Soviets one the basis of one deputy for every 1500 of the population where the Soviets are elected on the basis of a number of population, and one deputy for each 300 voters – where the Soviets are elected on the basis of a number of electors.
21. The Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall elect the Central Executive Committee of Soviets; the number of the members to the Committee shall be determined by the Congress of Soviets.
22. The Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be convened by the Central Executive committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia once in two years.
Note: If the circumstances impede the Central Executive Committee to convene the regular Congress, it can be postponed under the decision of the CEC.
23. The Special Congress of the Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be convened by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia at its discretion or upon the request of local Soviets and Congresses where the population is not less than one third of the whole population of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
b. Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and its Presidium
24. The Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the highest legislative, administrative and supervising body of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
25. The Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia issues the decrees on the matters relating to the management of the autonomous republic, as well as on the development of legislation valid on the whole territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
26. The Central Executive Committee directs in a general way the activity of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Government and of all organs of the soviet authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, and it unites and coordinates the operation of the legislation and management observing the fulfillment of the Constitution of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, Decrees adopted by the Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR and the legislation adopted by and valid on the whole territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
27. The Central Executive Committee is accountable to the Congress of Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia to whom it shall submit the reports on its activity and on general policy and certain questions having the all-state significance.
28. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall convene the regular session of the Central Executive Committee not less than three times a year. The Special Sessions of the Central Executive Committee may be convened:
a) upon the initiative of the presidium of the Central Executive committee;
b) at the request of not less than one third of the members of the Central Executive Committee.
29. The Central Executive Committee shall elect the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee and define the sphere of its activity.
30. The Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall form People’s Commissariats for the purpose of general management of the certain branches and appoint the People’s Commissars from the members of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee.
31. The Economic Forum shall be established at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, which will operate on the basis of special regulations.
32. In the periods between the convocation of the sessions of the Central Executive Committee, the Presidium is the supreme legislative, administrative and controlling authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
33. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall issue decrees, resolutions and instructions on behalf of the Central Executive Committee.
34. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall observe the implementation of the Constitution of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the Resolutions of the Congress of Soviets and the Central Executive Committee by every organ of the state authority; it shall be the supreme governing organ in the center and at the local level.
35. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee is authorized to appoint the People’s Commissars and other high officials in the period between the sessions of the Central Executive Committee, with further submission for approval to the Central Executive Committee in accordance of the law.
36. The presidium of the Central Executive Committee shall consider the motions on pardon and rehabilitation in political rights.
37. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee is entitled to suspend and annul the decrees and instructions issued by the People’s Commissars, central state agencies, district executive committees and City Councils, independent administrative entities and of the District Congress of Soviets.
38. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee resolves the disputes between the central and local authorities.
39. The Presidium of the Central Executive Committee is responsible to the Central Executive Committee.
B. The People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
40. For the purpose of general management of the fields under the jurisdiction of the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and its Presidium, the following People’s Commissariats shall be formed: Education; Agriculture; Health-care; Justice; Local Industry; Internal Trade and Finances. The Office of the Representative of the Trans-Caucasus NKVD (People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs), Representative of the People’s Commissariat of Communication and the Representative of the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Trade shall operate at the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
41. The People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia are led by the People’s Commissars; the members of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia stand at the head of the various People’s Commissariats.
42. The People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be subordinate to the Central executive Committee and the Presidium of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and implement the directives and tasks of the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
43. A people’s Commissar has the individual right to decide on all questions under the jurisdiction of the relevant commissariat.
44. The people’s Commissars are responsible to the Central Executive Committee the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
45. The orders and resolutions issued by the People’s Commissariat the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia can be revoked by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
If these orders or resolutions contradict to the instructions of the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia or its Presidium, they also can be revoked by the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia if they also contradict to the legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Trans-Caucasus Soviet federative Socialist Republic and of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.
c) The local organs of the Soviets – District Congress of Soviets, District executive committees, Council of Deputies and its executive bodies.
46. The Congress of Soviets, within its jurisdiction, is the supreme power on the territory of the district; in the periods between the convocation of the Congress the District Executive Committee is the supreme organ.
Note: Under the Decree of the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and subject to further endorsement by the All-Georgian Central Executive Committee, the certain cities, having the industrial or cultural-political significance, may form together with the adjusted rural territories or without them a separate administrative-economic entity that is not included within the District. The city councils shall subordinate directly to the supreme authorities of the Republic.
47. The all Soviets on the territory of the District shall participate in the District Congress of Soviets.
48. The District Congress is composed of representatives from all local soviets on the territory of the District according the following quota: one deputy for 300 inhabitants from the Soviets of the territories where the Soviet is elected on the basis of the number of population, and one deputy for 60 voters from the Soviets of the territory where the Soviet is elected on the basis of constituency.
49. The regular District congresses of the Soviets shall be convened once a year. The Special Congress may be convened by the relevant executive committee: a) upon its own initiative; b) at the request of the Congress of Soviets or Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; c) at the request of the local Soviets representing not less than one third of the population of the given District.
50. Every District Congress of Soviets elects its executive organs – a District Executive Committee; the number of members to the District Executive Committee the membership of which shall be determined by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
51. The District Executive Committees are responsible to the Congress of Soviets, which elected them and subordinate to the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and its Presidium.
52. For exercising the management of the district and implementation of directives and resolutions of the central power, the District Executive Committees shall elect the Presidium, which is authorized to carry out the function of the executive committee on the periods between the sessions of the Executive Committee and is responsible the latter. Membership of the Presidium of each District Executive Committee shall be determined by Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
53. For the purpose of management of the certain branches on the territory of the District within the frame of district competence, the District Executive Committees may set up the departments, the organizations, structure and competence of which shall be defined by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
54. The Departments of the District Executive committee shall be entirely subordinate to the District Executive Committee and its Presidium; all instructions and tasks by the District Executive Committee and its Presidium, as well as of the People’s Commissars of Abkhazia and the Representatives of the People’s Commissariats are binding to the District Executive Committee.
55. The Soviets of Workers, peasants and Red Army Deputies shall be formed:
a) in rural area and towns where the majority of population is engaged in agriculture activity – one deputy for 100 inhabitants;
b) in cities and urban settlements where the majority of population is engaged in industrial enterprises, as well as in sovkhoz and construction at the rural settlements – one deputy for from 40 to 75 voters.
Note: In the territories where the population elects the deputies in accordance to the total number of population, the Military Units of the Red Army and Navy elect their deputies to the Soviets – one deputy for 50 voters; and in the territories where the population elects the deputies in accordance to the total number of voters they elect their deputies upon the same rule as for the rest of population.
56. Re-election of the Soviets of deputies shall be held once a year.
57. The executive organs of urban and rural soviets, their structure and jurisdiction shall be defined by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
58. The Soviet of Deputies shall be convened by its respective executive organ upon its own initiative or at the request of not less than one third of the members of Soviets.
59. The local authorities (District Congress of Soviets, Soviet of Deputies and their executive organs) shall have under their jurisdiction:
a) take measures for raising the cultural and economic standard of the given territory;
b) draw-up and implement the local budget;
c) Carry out all orders of respective higher organs of the soviet power;
d) Decide all questions of local importance within their respective territory;
e) Coordinate all soviet activity in their respective territories;
f) Secure the revolutionary justice on their respective territories;
g) Secure the state order and public security on their respective territories;
h) Discuss the issues of nationwide importance upon their own initiative, as well as upon the proposal by the higher organs of the soviet power.
60. The District Congress of Soviets and the District Executive Committees shall have the right to control the activity of the local soviets and their executive organs.
61. The District Executive committees shall have the right to suspend the implementation, at their own responsibility, of the orders by the People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia on the exceptional basis and in conformity to the rules defined by the Central Executive committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
d) Courts and Directorate of Public Prosecution
62. For the legal protection of the Workers’ and Peasants’ state, and for strengthening of revolutionary justice and protection of the public order, the unified Public Court shall operate on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, which also includes the Directorate of Public Prosecution formed on the basis defined by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and functioning under the procedural rules, basics of which are determined by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
63. The judicial organs and the Directorate of Public Prosecution shall observe the civil and criminal legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia elaborated on the bases established by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as well as the laws valid on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia; in case of lack or deficiencies of such laws, they shall be guided by the common spirit and interest of the Soviet legislation.
b) The checking and cancellation of elections and recall of the Deputies
70. If an election was irregularly carried on in its entirety, it may be declared void by a higher soviet authority. The highest authority in relation of election of soviets is the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Chapter V
The budget rights of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
73. The local budget of the Republic is in force on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the local budgets of the administrative-territorial (cities, districts and rural settlements) entities included within the Abkhaz ASSR.
74. The volume of budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is subordinate to the rules provided for in the Regulations on Budgetary Rights of the autonomous soviet socialist republics and oblasts of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, and the budgets of administrative-territorial entities (cities, districts and rural settlements) of the Abkhaz SSR – to the Regulations on Local Fiscal Regulations and other relevant legal acts of the USSR, Trans-Caucasus SFSR and of the Georgian SSR.
75. The income resources, as well as the expenditure of the budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be determined by the Regulations on Budgetary Rights of the autonomous soviet socialist republics and oblasts of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR.
76. The income resources, as well as the expenditure of the budgets of the administrative-territorial entities (cities, districts and rural settlements) included within the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be determined by the Regulations on Local Finances, as well as of other legal acts of the USSR, Trans-Caucasus SFSR and the Georgian SSR.
77. The Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall regulate the budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the budgets of the administrative-territorial entities (cities and districts) included within the Republic on the basis of Regulations on Local Finances and through determination of incomes entirely transferred to the budget of the administrative territorial entities, as well as of allocations in relevant quantity from the central revenues.
78. All taxes and dues on the territory of Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be determined upon the all-union legislation.
79. The Budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the budgets of the administrative- territorial entities included within the Republic, shall be approved before the fiscal year under the unified Act by the Central Executive Committee of Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia in accordance to the rules established by the legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
80. The procedure for drafting and implementation of the Budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as of the administrative-territorial entities, reporting and accounting on them shall be determined by the legislation of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
81. Expenditure of the budget resources of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and of the budgets of administrative-territorial entities (cities, districts and rural settlements) shall be formed within the scope approved in compliance with the budgetary allocations and only for the direct purposes.
82. The report on budget implementation by the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the administrative territorial entities shall be reviewed and approved by the Central Executive Committee of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Chapter VI
The Coat of Arms, Flag and Capital City
of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
83. The coat of arms of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia consists of the background with the landscape of Abkhazia on which a golden scythe and hammer are placed. On the top there is a five-pointed star in sun-rays. The coat of arms is surrounded by corn, tobacco and grape wreath, inscribed in three languages: Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian – “Abkhaz ASSR” and “Workers of the World, Unite!”
84. The flag of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia consists of red cloth or purple linen, in the left top corner of which are placed scythe and hammer and above them the five-pointed star surrounded with a golden wreath, inscribed: AASSR. The size 1:2.
85. Sukhum is the capital of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
7 January, 1935
(The Congresses of the Soviets of the USSR, Union and Autonomous Republics, vol. 6, p. 766-781)
(RESOLUTION of the Congress) on changes of Articles:44,48,49,52,53,54,64 and 78 and revoking Article 51 of the Basic law (Constitution) of the Georgian SSR
The Seventh All-Georgian Congress of the Soviets of Workers, peasants and Read Army Deputies, on the basis of section “a” of Article 19 of the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, decrees:
To introduce the following changes to the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia:
9. Article 78 (SU 1931, N9, Article 92) shall be formulated as follows:
“78. Central Executive committees of the Autonomous Republics or Oblasts shall form the relevant republic or oblast organs for the purpose of management of the autonomous branches of the state management (education, Health-care, Social Protection, Courts), as well as for management of joint branches (Local Industry, Agriculture, Internal Trade, Public Utilities, Labour). Representative of the People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall operate at the Central Executive committees of the Autonomous Republics entitled to direct the management of state branches on the whole territory of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
The agencies of joint branches of the state management located on the territories of autonomous republics or oblasts and subordinate to the central executive committees of the autonomous republics or oblasts, shall carry out the directives and tasks of the relevant People’s Commissariats and the Trade Unions of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia; the latter are authorized to revoke the directives if they contradict to the directive of the central executive committees of the respective autonomous republics and oblasts, as well as to legislations of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Trans-Caucasus Soviet Federative Republic and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia. The representatives of the People’s Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, being the organs of these commissariats in the autonomous republics and oblasts, shall submit the report on their activity to the central executive committees of the autonomous republics and oblasts.
Chairman of the Seventh All-Georgian Congress
of the Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Read Army Deputies – Ph. Makharadze
Secretary of the Seventh All-Georgian Congress
of the Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Read Army Deputies – T. Zhgenti
13 January 1935
(The Congresses of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR. 1921-1937; Collection of documents. Tb., 1980, p. 329-331/in Georgia)
1936
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Chapter I. Public Arrangement
Article 1. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist state of the workers and peasants.
Chapter II. State Arrangement
Article 13. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the Union State established on the basis of voluntary association of the equal Soviet Socialist Republics…
Article 14. The jurisdiction of the Union Soviet Socialist Republics, as represented by its highest bodies of state authority and administration, shall cover:
f) the admission of new republics to the USSR; endorsement of the formation of new autonomous republics and autonomous regions within Union Republics;
Article 25.
The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes: the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Chapter III. Supreme organs of state power
Article 30. The highest body of state authority of the USSR shall be the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 33. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities.
Article 34. The Soviet of Union shall be elected by the citizens of the USSR at the electoral districts on the basis of the following representation: one deputy from each 300 000 inhabitants.
Article 35. The Soviet of Nationalities shall be elected by the citizens of the USSR in the Union and Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Oblasts and National Districts on the basis of the following representation: 25 deputies from each Union Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, five deputies from each Autonomous Oblast and one deputy from each National District.
Chapter VI. The Organs of the State management of the Union Republics
Article 79. The Council of Public Commissars of a Union Republic shall be the supreme executive and administrative body of the state authority in the Republic.
80. The Council of Public Commissars of a Union Republic shall be responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of that republic or, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to its Presidium.
Chapter VII. Higher Bodies of Autonomous Republics
Article 89. The highest body of state authority of an Autonomous Republic shall be the Supreme Soviet of that Republic.
Article 90. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic shall be elected by the citizens of that republic in a term of four years on the basis of representation specified for in the Constitution of an Autonomous Republic.
Article 91. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic shall be a sole legislative authority of that republic.
92. Each Autonomous Republic shall have its Constitution with respect of characteristic traits of the Autonomous Republic and in full compliance to the Constitution of the Union Republic.
93. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic shall elect a Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and shall form a Council of Public Commissars of an Autonomous Republic in accordance of its Constitution.
Chapter VIII. Local Bodies of state authority
Article 94. Local Soviets in Regions, Oblasts, Autonomous Oblasts, Districts, Cities, Settlements, and Rural communities shall be elected in a term of two years by the citizens accordingly.
Article 96.The norms of representation to the Local Soviets shall be determined by the Constitution of a Union Republic.
Article 98. Local Soviets of People’s Deputies shall decide matters within the competence accorded them by the legislation of the USSR and Union Republic.
Article 99. The Executive and administrative bodies of local Soviets shall be the Executive Committees elected by them from among their deputies; the executive committee shall consist of: chairman, his deputies, secretary and members.
Chapter IX. Courts and Procurator
Article 102. In the USSR justice is administered by the Supreme Court of the USSR, Supreme courts of Union Republics, courts of Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Oblasts, an the special courts established under the decree of the Supreme Soviet.
(…)
Article 104. The Supreme Court if the USSR is the highest judicial body in the USSR and supervises the administration of justice by the courts of the USSR and Union Republics.
Article 105. The Supreme Court of the USSR and the Special Courts shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR with a term of five years.
Article 106. the Supreme Courts of Union Republics shall be elected by the Supreme Soviets of Union Republics.
107. The Supreme Courts of the Autonomous Republics shall be elected by the Supreme Soviets of the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republics with the term of five years.
Article 108. The Courts of regions and districts, as well as of autonomous oblasts shall be elected by the Councils of People’s Deputies of the relevant entities with the term of five years.
Article 109. The Public Courts shall be elected by the inhabitants of the region on the basis of direct and equal suffrage by secrete ballots with the term of three years.
Article 110. Judicial proceeding shall be conducted in the language of the Union Republic, Autonomous Republic or Autonomous Oblast. Persons participated in the court proceedings, who do not know the language of proceedings shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through interpreter, as well as the right to address the court in their own language.
(…)
Article 115. The Procurators of Union Republics, Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Oblasts are appointed by the Procurator of the USSR with the term of five years.
Article 116. Regional, district and city procurators shall be appointed by the Procurators of Union Republics subject to confirmation by the Procurator of the USSR; the term of office shall be five years.
Article 117. The agencies of the Procurator’s Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the USSR.
5 December 1936
(Constitution and Constitutional Acts of the USSR, 1940, p. 5-22)
1937
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Chapter I
The organization of the society
Article 1. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is a socialist state of workers and peasants.
Chapter II
The organization of the state
Article 13. For the purpose of mutual assistance in economic, political and defence sphere, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia voluntary associated with the equal Soviet Socialist Republics... – in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia guarantees the rights specified for in Article 14 of the Constitution of the USSR.
Outside of the scope of Article 14 the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall exercise its jurisdiction independently and fully maintain its sovereign rights.
Article 14. The jurisdiction of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, as represented by its highest organs of state authority and organs of government, covers:
a) adoption the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, introduction the changes and amendments to it, control the observance of the Constitution;
b) Confirmation of the Constitutions of the Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR;
c) Determination of boundaries of the Abkhaz and Adjarian SSR and of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast;
d) Submission of proposals for confirmation to the Supreme Soviets of the USSR on forming the new autonomous Republics and autonomous oblasts within the Georgian SSR;
e) Determination of boundaries and district division of the Georgian SSR;
f) Adoption of the laws, legal Codes and the Acts of the Georgian SSR;
g) Safeguarding the public order and civil rights;
h) Approval of the public-economic plans of the Georgian SSR;
i) Approval of the state budget of the Georgian SSR;
j) Management of implementation of the budgets of the Abkhaz Autonomous SSR, Adjarian Autonomous SSR and of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast, as well as of city’s and local budgets;
k) Introduction of state and local taxes, dues and non-tax income in accordance of the law of the USSR;
l) Administration of the Banks of state subordination, industrial and agricultural establishments and enterprises and local trading enterprises and industry;
m) Control over the situation and management of the enterprises and institutions of all-Union importance;
n) Establishment of the rules for the use of land, its bowels, water and forest;
o) Administration of municipal improvements, housing and public utilities;
p) Administration of road-construction, local transport and communications;
q) Administration of labour legislation;
r) Administration of the public health;
s) Administration of insurance and savings’
t) Administration of primary, secondary and high educational establishments;
u) Administration of cultural-educational and scientific institutions and organizations of the Georgian SSR and management of cultural and scientific organizations of the all-state importance;
u) Arrangement of the judicial organs;
v) Granting the citizenship of the Georgian SSR;
x) Issuing the act of amnesty and pardon for the citizens convicted by the judiciary organs of the Georgian SSR.
Article 15. The Georgian SSR reserves the right to secede freely from the USSR.
Article 16. Alteration of the territory of Georgia is inadmissible without its consent.
Article 17. The laws of the USSR are valid on the territory of the Georgian SSR.
Article 18. The citizen of the Georgian SSR is the citizen of the USSR.
Any citizen of other union republic shall enjoy the equal rights on the territory of the Georgian SSR as for citizen of the Georgian SSR;
Article 19. The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes: the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South-Ossetia; ... – districts and cities: Tbilisi and Poti, which are not included in the districts.
Article 20. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia includes: Gagra, Gali, Gudauta, Sukhumi, Ochamchire districts and city Sukhumi, which is not included in the district.
Article 21. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara includes: Batumi, keda, Kobuleti and Khulo districts, and city Batumi, which is not included in the district.
Article 22. The South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast includes: Znauri, Leningori, Staliniri and Java districts and city Tskhinvali, which is not included in the district.
Article 23. The laws of the Georgian SSR have the same force within the territory of the whole Georgian SSR.
In the event of discrepancy between a law of the Abkhaz and Adjarian autonomous SSR and the Georgian SSR, the Law of the Georgian SSR prevails.
24. The Autonomous SSR of Abkhazia and the Autonomous SSR of Adjara shall have their own Constitutions which take account of the specific features of these autonomous republics and are drawn up in full conformity with the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and of the Constitution of the USSR.
The South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast has the Regulations of the autonomous oblast, which shall be approved by the Supreme Soviets of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter III
The highest organs of the state authority ofthe Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Article 26. Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall exercise all the rights under the jurisdiction of the Georgian SSR in conformity to the Article 13 and Article 14 of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR as they are, on the basis of this Constitution, outside of the competence of the organs that are accountable to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR and of the People’s Commissariats of the Georgian SSR.
Article 27. The supreme soviet of the Georgian SSR is the sole legislative organ of the Georgian SSR.
Article 28. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall be elected by the citizens of the republic according the electoral district upon the following norm: one deputy for 15 000 inhabitants.
Article 29. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall be elected for a term of four years.
Article 34. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall elect the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, consisting of: chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, two Vice-Chairmen according the number of autonomous republics, a secretary of the Presidium and 13 members.
Article 36. The presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR:
d) revokes the resolutions and decrees issued by the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR and of the Councils of People’s Commissars of the autonomous republics, as well as the Decisions adopted by the Council of Workers’ Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast if they do not comply to the legislation;
(...)
Chapter V
The organs of Government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Article 44. The highest executive and administrative organ of the state authority of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR.
Article 47. Decision and Orders of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR are binding throughout the territory of the Georgian SSR.
Article 48. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR:
d) Coordinates and takes control over the activity of the councils of the people’s commissars of the autonomous republics and autonomous oblast; exercises guidance and takes control over the executive committees of the district and city soviets of worker’s deputies.
(...) 49. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR has the right to suspend the decisions and orders of the executive committee of the autonomous oblast and the resolutions and decrees of the councils of the People’s Commissars of the autonomous republics, and the decisions and orders of the Soviets of Worker’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast.
Chapter V
The highest organs of state authority of the Autonomous
Republic of Abkhazia and of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara
Article 59. The highest organs of state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara are the Supreme Soviets of the respective autonomous republic.
Article 60. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic is elected by the citizens of the Republic for a term of four years on the basis of representation established by the Constitution of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 61. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic is the sole legislative organ of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
Article 62. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic:
a) Adopts the constitution of the Autonomous Republic and submits it to the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for approval pursuant to Article 24 of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR;
b) Submits proposals to the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR on forming the new districts an cities for approval, and determines their boundaries;
c) Approves the public-economic plan and budget of the autonomous republic.
d) Grants the award and honorary titles to the citizens of the autonomous Republic.
Article 63. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic elects the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic consisting of: chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic, Vice-chairmen, a secretary of the members of the Presidium.
Article 64. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic is accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 65. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic shall be determined by the Constitution of the Autonomous SSR.
Article 66. Elects the chairman and the vice-chairmen for the session of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 67. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic forms the Government of the Autonomous Republic – Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republic.
Chapter VI
The organs of government of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
of Abkhazia and of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara
Article 68. The highest executive and administrative organ of the autonomous SSR of Abkhazia and Adjara is the Council of People’s Commissars of the respective autonomous republic.
Article 69. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republic is responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the respective autonomous Republic; and in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic it is responsible and accountable to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 70. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republic adopts decisions and orders on the basis and in pursuant of the laws in operation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and the Autonomous Republic, and orders and decrees of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR, and supervises their execution.
Article 71. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous SSR has the right to revoke the orders and instructions of the People’s Commissars of the Autonomous SSR, and the decisions and orders of the District and City executive committees on the territory of it the autonomous republic, as well as to suspend the decisions and orders of the District Soviets of Worker’s Deputies.
Article 72. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic shall form the Council of people’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republic consisting of:
Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars;
Vice-Chairmen of the Council of People’s Commissars;
Chairman of the State Planning Commission;
Peoples Commissars of
Agriculture;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Internal Affairs;
Justice;
Public Health;
Education;
Local Industry;
Municipal Economy;
Social Maintenance;
Head of Road Department;
Representative of Food-processing Committee;
Head of Art Affairs’ Department
In addition to the aforementioned, with respect of specifics of the economy and upon the approval of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the following People’s Commissars can be nominated:
Food Industry;
Light Industry;
Forest Industry.
Article 73. The People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republics direct the branches of state administration under their competence in accordance with the Constitutions of the Georgian SSR and the Autonomous SSR.
74. The people’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republics, within the scope of their competence, issue the orders and instruction in accordance with the laws of the USSR, the Georgian SSR, the Autonomous Republic, as well as with the decrees and orders issued by the Councils of people’s Commissars of the USSR, Georgian SSR and the Autonomous Republic.
75. The People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Republic shall direct the branches of state administration entrusted to them and are subordinate to the Council of people’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Republic, as well as of the respective People’s Commissariat of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter VII
The organs of state authority of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
Article 76. The organ of state authority in the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia is the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies.
Article 77. The Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia directs the work of the organs of administration subordinate to them, ensures the maintenance of public order, the observance of the laws and protection of the rights of citizens, directs local economic and cultural development, approves the budget and public-economic plan of the oblast.
Article 79. The Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia adopts decisions and issues orders within the limits of the power vested in it by the laws of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 80. The executive and administrative organ of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia is the executive committee of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia elected by the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast, consisting of a chairman, two vice-chairmen, secretary and seven members.
Article 81. For the purpose of general management of the fields under the jurisdiction of the oblast, the executive committee of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia forms the following Departments:
Agriculture;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Health-care;
Public Education;
Local Industry;
Municipal Economy;
Forestry;
Social protection;
Roads;
Chancellery;
Art Affairs;
Planning Commission;
Personnel division at the Chairman of the executive committee;
In addition to the aforementioned, the executive committee of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia forms:
Office of the Commissariat of the Internal Affairs;
Representative of the Food processing agency.
Article 82. The Departments and entities of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia are subordinate to the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as to the respective People’s Commissariats of the Georgian SSR.
Article 83. The district organs of state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of South Ossetia shall be formed in accordance of Chapter VIII of this Constitution.
Chapter VIII
The local organs of state authority
Article 84. The organs of state authority in the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia and of the districts, cities, villages and rural settlements of the Georgian SSR are the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies.
Article 85. The Soviets of Working People’s Deputies of districts, cities, villages and rural settlements are elected by the workers of the respective territorial entities for a term of two years.
Article 86. The District Soviets of Working People’s Deputies shall be elected according the norm – one deputy for 300 inhabitants.
Article 87. The City Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies shall be elected according the following norms: the Poti City Soviet – one deputy for 200 inhabitants; the Kutaisi City Soviet – one deputy for 400 inhabitants; the Tbilisi City Soviet – 1 Deputy for 700 inhabitants; for the other cities: a) one deputy for 100 inhabitants where the population is under 10 000; b) one deputy for 150 inhabitants where the population is over 10 000;
Article 88. The village and community Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies shall be elected according to the number of inhabitants: one deputy for not less than 50 and not more than 150 inhabitants.
The representation for the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies of rural settlements and communities shall be defined within the limits established by this Article.
Article 89. The Soviets of Working People’s Deputies (District, city, village) direct cultural-political and economic development on their respective territories, introduce the local budget, direct the management of subordinate organs, safeguard the public order, encourage the strengthening of defence capacity and observe the laws and protection of the rights of citizens.
Article 90. The Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies adopt decisions and issue orders within the limits of the powers vested in them by the laws of the USSR, Georgian SSR and of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 93. The executive and administrative organs of the Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies of districts, cities and villages shall be the executive committees elected by the respective Soviets consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, a secretary and members.
Article 94. The executive and administrative organs of the Soviets of villages and communities with the inhabitants not more than 500 people are a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary elected by the respective Soviets.
Article 95. Executive Committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies (District, city, village) shall coordinate the cultural-political and economic development in their area in accordance with the decisions made by the respective soviets of the working people’s deputies and of the higher state organs.
Article 96. The District and City Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies shall elect a chairman and a secretary for holding the session.
Article 97. The Chairman of the Village Soviet shall convene and lead the session of the village soviet.
Article 98. The executive organs of the Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies are accountable to the respective Soviets they are elected by, as well as to the executive organs of the higher Soviets.
Article 99. The higher executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies are authorized to revoke and suspend the decisions and orders issued by the lower executive committees.
Article 101. For the purpose of management of certain branches, the district and city Soviets are authorized to form the executive Departments.
Article 102. The District Soviets shall form the following Departments:
Agriculture;
Public Education;
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Health-care;
Social Protection;
Chancellery;
Road;
Planning commission;
Personnel management sector at the Chairman of the Committee.
In addition to the aforementioned and proceeding from the specifics of the district’s economy and subject to approval of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR. Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and of the Soviet of the Working People’s Deputies of the autonomous Oblast, the District Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies is authorized to form the Divisions: municipal economy and local industry.
Article 103. According to the district specifics, the Commissariat of the Internal Affairs shall form the offices at the District Soviets of the Working people’s Deputies in accordance of the laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR subject to approval of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous SSR and of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast.
Article 105. The Departments of the District Soviets of the Working Peoples Deputies are subordinate to the District Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies and their executive committees, as well as to the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Georgian SSR, and in the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Oblasts – to the relevant People’s Commissariats of the Autonomous Republic or the Autonomous oblast respectively.
Article 106. The Departments of the City Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies are subordinate to the City Soviet, as well as to the respective executive committee and the relevant People’s Commissariat of the Georgian SSR; and in the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous oblasts they are subordinate to the relevant people’s Commissariat of the Autonomous Republic or of the relevant Division of the Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 108. The Departments of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of Sukhumi are subordinate to the City Soviet and its executive committee, as well as to the relevant People’s Commissariat of the Autonomous SSR of Abkhazia.
The Departments of the Soviet of Working People’s Deputies of Staliniri are subordinate to the City Soviet and its executive committee, as well as to the relevant Division of the Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
(…)
Chapter IX
The Budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Article 112. The Council of people’s Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia shall draw-up the state budget of the Georgian SSR and submit it to the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for approval.
(…)
Article 116. The income from the local economy, as well as the revenues from local taxes and dues of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as of districts, cities, villages and rural settlements shall be allotted to the budget of respective territorial entity according to the quantity determined by the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter X
Courts and Procurator’s Office
Article 117. In the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia justice is administered by the Supreme Court of Georgia, Supreme Courts of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, the Court of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, the Special Courts of the USSR established under the Decree of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and the people’s courts.
Article 119. The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR is the highest judicial body in the Georgian SSR. It is entitled to supervise the administration of justice at the courts of the Georgian SSR, Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR and of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
Article 120. The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for a term of five years.
Article 121. The Supreme Courts of the Autonomous Republics shall be elected by the respective Supreme Soviets for a term of five years.
Article 124. Judicial proceedings on the territory of the Georgia SSR shall be conducted in Georgian or in the language of Autonomous Republic, or Autonomous oblast. Persons participating in the court proceedings, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through the interpreter, and the rights to address the court in their own language.
127. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws by all people’s Commissariats and subordinate agencies, officials and citizens is vested in the Procurator of the USSR, as well as in the Procurator of the Georgian SSR.
Article 128. The Procurators of the Georgian SSR, as well as the procurators of the Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR are appointed by the Procurator of the USSR for a term of five years.
Article 129. The District and City procurators are appointed by the Procurator of the Georgian SSR for a term of five years subject to approval of the Procurator of the USSR.
Article 130. The agencies of the Procurator’s Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the USSR.
Chapter XIII
Language, Flag and Capital-City
Article 156. Georgian is the state language of the Georgian SSR.
The national minorities residing on the territory of the Georgian SSR shall have the right to the free development and application of their mother tongues in cultural, as well as in state institutions.
Article 157. The laws, as well as the Decrees and Resolutions of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Decisions and orders of the Council of people’s Commissariats of the Georgian SSR shall be published in Georgian language, and for the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous oblasts – in Georgian and in the language of autonomous Republic or oblast.
Article 158. The laws, as well as decrees and ordinances of the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republics, orders and decisions of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Republics, decisions of the executive committees of the autonomous oblast shall be published in the language of respective autonomous republic or autonomous oblast and in Georgian.
(…)
13 February 1937
(Collection of the Constitutional Acts of the Georgian SSR, p. 133-160)
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Chapter I
The organization of the society
Article 1. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a socialist state of workers and peasants.
Chapter II
The organization of the state
Article 13. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is included in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia with the rights of Autonomous Republic.
The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia exercises its jurisdiction outside of competence specified for in Article 14 of the Constitution of the USSR and Article 14 of the Constitution of Georgia.
Article 14. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia includes: Gagra, Gali, Gudauta, Sukhumi, Ochamchire Regions and the City Sukhumi, which is under direct subordination to the highest organs of state authority of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 15. The territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall not be altered without its consent.
Article 16. The laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR shall be binding on the territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia. In the event of discrepancy between a law of the Abkhaz ASSR and the USSR or the Georgian SSR, the law of the USSR or Georgian SSR prevails.
Article 17. The citizen of the Abkhaz SSR is the citizen of the Georgian SSR and of the USSR.
Any citizen of the Georgian SSR, as well as of other Union Republics shall enjoy the equal rights on the territory of the Abkhaz ASSR as for citizen of the Abkhaz SSR.
Article 18. The jurisdiction of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as represented by its highest organs of state authority and organs of government, covers:
a) adoption of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR, its submission to the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, controls the observance of the Constitution;
b) determination of boundaries of the districts and cities subject to further submission to the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR for approval;
c) legislation of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia;
d) safeguarding the public order and civil rights;
e) Approval of the public-economic plans of the Abkhaz ASSR;
f) Approval of the state budget of the Abkhaz ASSR;
g) Introduction of state and local taxes, dues and non-tax income in accordance of the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR;
h) management of implementation of budgets of district, city and village soviets;
i) administration of insurance and savings;
j) administration of industrial, agricultural and trade initiatives and management of the organizations of the republican importance, as well as the management of the local industry;
i) control and monitoring over the situation and management of the organs subordinate to the USSR and of the Georgian SSR;
j) control and management of the rules for the use of land, its bowels, water and forest in accordance with the laws of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR;
k) administration of municipal improvements, housing and public utilities in the cities and other settlements;
l) road construction, management of local transport and of local communications;
m) control over the implementation of the Labour Law of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR;
n) management of the public health affairs;
o) management of the social security affairs;
p) administration of primary, secondary and high educational institutions;
q) administration of cultural-education and scientific institutions of the Abkhaz ASSR;
r) management and organization of the physical culture and sport affairs;
s) arrangement of the judicial organs of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Chapter III
The highest organs of the state authority of the
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Article 19. Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the highest organ of the state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
Article 20. Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall exercise all the rights under the jurisdiction of the Abkhaz ASSR in conformity to Article 13 and Article 18 of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR as they are, on the basis of this Constitution, outside of the of the competence of the organs that are accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR: presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR and the People’s Commissariats of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 21. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR is the sole legislative organ of the Abkhaz ASSR;
Article 22. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be elected by the citizens of the Abkhaz ASSR for a term of four years according to the electoral district upon the following norm: one deputy for 3000 inhabitants.
Article 23. A law is considered adopted if passed by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR by a simple majority of votes.
24. The laws adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be published in Abkhaz and Georgian languages over the signatures of the Chairman and Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 25. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR elects the chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and two Vice-Chairmen.
Article 26. The Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR presides the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and directs the internal procedures of the organ.
Article 27. The sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR are convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR twice a year.
Special sessions are convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR at its discretion or at the request of the one third of deputies of the Supreme Soviet.
Article 28. Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR elects the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR consisting of a Chairman of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, Vice-Chairman, a secretary and 8 members of the presidium.
Article 29. The presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR is accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 30. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR:
a) Convenes the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR;
b) Interprets laws of the Abkhaz ASSR, issues decrees;
c) Conducts referendum;
d) Annuls decisions and orders of the Council of people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR and decisions and orders of the district and city soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR in case they do not conform to law;
e) In the periods between the convocation of the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR relieves of their posts and appoints certain People’s Commissars upon nomination of the Chairman of the Council of people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR, subject to subsequent confirmation by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR;
f) Confers titles of honour of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 37. Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR forms the Government of the Abkhaz ASSR – the Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Chapter IV
The organs of government of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Article 38. The highest executive and administrative organ of the state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR.
(...)
Article 39. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR; and in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR it is responsible and accountable to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 40. The Council of the People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR issues decisions and orders on the basis and in pursuance of the laws of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and Abkhaz ASSR, and on the basis of decisions and orders of the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and supervises their execution.
41. Decisions and Orders of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR are binding throughout the territory of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 42. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR:
a) Coordinates and directs the work of the Commissariats of the Abkhaz ASSR and of other institutions, cultural and economic, under its subordination. coordinates and controls the activity of the representatives of the all0Union and Union-Republican People’s Commissariats.
b) Adopts the measures to carry out the public-economic plan;
c) Adopts measures to carry out the state and local budgets of the Abkhaz ASSR;
d) Adopts the measures for securing the public order, for protection of state interests, and for safeguarding the rights of citizens;
e) Directs and controls the activity of the District and City executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies
Article 43. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR has the right to annul decisions and orders of the District and City executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies and to suspend decisions and orders of the District and City Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies.
The Council of people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR has the right to revoke the Orders and Instructions of the People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 44. The Council of People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR is appointed by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and consists of:
The Chairman of the Council of people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR;
Two Vice-Chairmen of the Council of people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR;
The Chairman of the state Planning Commission of the Abkhaz ASSR;
The following People’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR:
Agriculture,
Finance;
Internal Trade;
Internal Affairs;
health-care;
Education;
Local Industry;
Municipal Economy;
Social Protection;
Head of Road Department;
Representative of the Food Processing Committee of the USSR;
Head of Department on Arts.
Article 46. The people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR direct the branches of state administration which come within the jurisdiction of the Abkhaz ASSR in conformity to the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 47. The people’s Commissars of the Abkhaz ASSR issue, within the limits of their jurisdiction, orders and instruction on the basis and in pursuance of the laws of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz ASSR, and also of decisions and orders of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz ASSR and supervise their execution.
Article 48. The people’s Commissariats of the Abkhaz ASSR direct the branches of state administration entrusted to them and they are subordinate to the Council of People’s Commissars, as well as to the relevant People’s Commissariat of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter V
Local organs of State Authorities
Article 49. The Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies are the organs of state authority in districts, cities, villages and rural settlements.
Article 50. The district, city, village and rural settlement Soviets of Working People’s Deputies shall be elected by the workers of respective territorial entity for a term of two years.
Article 51. The Soviets of Working People’s Deputies (district, city, village, rural settlement) direct the cultural-political and economic development of their respective territories, draw-up the local budget and direct the work of the organs of administration subordinate to them, ensure the maintenance of public order, the observance of the laws and the protection of the rights of citizens.
Article 52. The Soviets of Working People’s Deputies adopt decisions and issue orders within the limits of the powers vested in them by the laws of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 53. The executive and administrative organs of Soviets of Working People’s Deputies of districts, cities, village and rural localities are the executive Committees elected by them, consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, a Secretary and members.
Article 54. The executive and administrative organ of rural Soviets of Working people’s Deputies in small localities is the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary elected by them.
Article 55. The executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies (district, city, village and rural settlement) direct the cultural-political and economic development of their respective territories in pursuance of the decisions of the relevant Soviet of the Working People’s Deputies and of the higher organs of the state authority.
Article 56. The executive committee of the district Soviet of the Working People’s Deputies shall convene the session not less than 6 times a year.
Article 57. The executive committees of the Soviets of Working People’s Deputies of the city, village and rural localities shall convene the session of their respective executive organs not less that once a month.
Chapter VI.
The Budget of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Article 72. The income from the local economy, as well as the revenues from local taxes and dues of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, as well as the local payment and assets shall be allotted to the budget of the Abkhaz ASSR according to the quantity determined by the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Chapter VII
Courts and Procurator’s Office
Article 73. In the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia justice is administered by the People’s Courts, the Supreme of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Special Courts of the USSR established under the Decree of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 75. The Supreme Court of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the highest judicial body in the Abkhaz ASSR. It is entitled to supervise the administration of justice at the courts of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 76. The Supreme Court of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 77. The People’s Courts shall be elected by the citizens of the District through on the basis of universal, direct and equal suffrage by secret ballot for a term of three years.
Article 78. Judicial proceedings in the rural localities where the majority of population is of Abkhaz origin, shall be conducted in Abkhaz language and where the majority is Georgian population – in Georgian language; Persons participating in the court proceedings, who do not know these languages, shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through the interpreter, and the right to address the court in their native language.
Article 81. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws by all People’s Commissariats and subordinate agencies, officials and citizens on the territory of the Abkhaz ASSR is vested in the Procurator of the USSR, as well as in the Procurators of the Georgian SSR and of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 82. The Procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR is appointed by the procurator of the USSR for a term of five years.
Article 83. The District and City Procurators of the Abkhaz ASSR are appointed by the Procurator of the Georgian SSR for a term of five years subject to approval of the Procurator of the USSR.
Article 84. The agencies of the procurator’s office exercise their function independently on any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the USSR and to the Procurator of the Georgian SSR.
Article IX
The Electoral System
Article 108. Elections of the Soviets of the Working People’s Deputies in Abkhazia shall be carried out in accordance of the Electoral Districts upon the following norms:
District Soviets – one deputy for 300 inhabitants; City Soviets – according to the size of the city – 1 Deputy for not less than 100 and not more than 200 inhabitants;
Village Soviets – according to the size of area – one Deputy for not less than 50 and not more than 150 inhabitants;
The norms for election of district, city, village and rural settlements shall be established by the Regulations on the Election of Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR on the basis of the norms specified for in this Article.
Chapter X
Coat of Arms, Flag, Capital
Article 111. The arms of the Georgian SSR is the State Arms of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, . . . surrounded with the inscription: „Workers of All Countries, Unite!“ in Georgian, Abkhaz and Russian languages.
Article 112. The Flag of the Georgian SSR is the Flag of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, which is a rectangle of red cloth, in the left corner above, within the square the inscription „Abkhaz ASSR“ in Georgian, Abkhaz and Russian languages with depicted in gold.
Article 113. The Capital of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the city of Sukhumi.
Chapter XI
Procedure for Amending the Constitution
Article 114. The Constitution of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia may be amended only by the decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR adopted by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR subject to approval by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
Presidium of the Eighth Special Congress of the All-Abkhaz Soviets.
Sukhumi, 2 August 1937.
(Constitution (Basic Law) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia. Sokhumi, 1937, p. 7-33/in Georgia)
1961
LAW on budgetary rights of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, Autonomous Repub-
lics and of the local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR
Part I
General Provisions
Article 1. The budget of the Georgian SSR is the major financial plan for establishing and using of the state fund of financial resources. The state budget of the Georgian SSR accumulates part of national revenue used for development of industry, agriculture, transport, trade and other branches of public economy of the Georgian SSR, also for development of the welfare and cultural level of the workers and maintenance of the bodies of the state management.
Article 2. …
The budget of the Georgian SSR, as a state voluntarily associated with other equal union republics into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, is consolidation with the budgets of other Union Republics into the Budget of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The budget of the Georgian SSR, which includes the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara, the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia, the cities and districts of republican subordination – combines the budgets of the Georgian SSR, Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR, South Ossetian Autonomous oblast and the budgets of cities and districts under republican subordination.
Article 4. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara shall have the budget of the autonomous republic approved by the Supreme Soviet of the respective autonomous republic.
The state budgets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics combine the state budget of the autonomous republic and the local budgets of districts and cities (under subordination of the autonomous republic).
Article 5. The Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall have the local budget of the autonomous oblast approved by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
The local budget of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast combines the oblast budget and the budgets of districts and cities (under the oblast subordination) included within the autonomous oblast.
Part II
The State Budget of the Georgian SSR
Article 9. The following incomes shall be included in the state budget of the Georgian SSR:
a) deductions from profits and other takings from enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the Council of Public Economy of the Georgian SSR, the ministries and agencies of the Georgian SSR, Councils of Ministers, Ministries and agencies of the autonomous republics and executive committees of the Soviets of people’s deputies except the deductions from the profits of enterprises and economic organizations of the Council of Public Economy of the Georgian SSR transferring to the All-Union budget;
b) profits from forestry, income-tax from the collective farms, income-tax from enterprises and organizations of republican and local importance under subordination of the consumers’ associations, as well as under management of public organizations;
c) Agricultural taxes;
d) deductions from the income-tax from the population in amount of 50%;
e) state duties, local taxes, dues and fees determined by the legislation of the USSR.
Article 10. The State Budget of the Georgian SSR, outside of the incomes specified for in Article 9 of this Law, shall include:
a) the funds for the state social insurance for pension payment;
b) deductions from the turnover tax and from other All-Union incomes.
Article 11. The following expenditures shall be included in the budget of the Georgian SSR:
a) for financing of enterprises and economic organizations under the jurisdiction of the Council of Public Economy of the Georgian SSR, Ministries and Agencies of the Georgian SSR, Councils of Ministers, Ministries and agencies of the autonomous republics and executive committees of the local Soviets of the Peoples’ Deputies;
b) for financing of arrangements carried out by the institutions and organizations of the Georgian SSR in the field of sciences, culture, health-care, sport, for payment of pensions, allowances to the mothers having many children and for other events on social security;
c) for maintaining the state power and the organs of state management, judicial organs and notary offices of the Georgian SSR;
d) for other arrangements financed from the state budget of the Republic in accordance to the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 12. The surplus funds of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, Councils of Ministers of the autonomous republics, as well as the fund for incidental expenses for the executive committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall be created in the state budget of the Georgian SSR for the purpose of covering the urgent needs of the public economy, social and cultural events and of other arrangements that couldn’t have been foreseen at the time the budget of the Georgian SSR had been approved.
Article 13. Differentiation of incomes and expenditures of the state budget of the Georgian SSR between the republican budget of the Georgian SSR, state budget of the Abkhaz ASSR and of the Adjarian ASSR, and of the local budgets of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, districts and cities under the republican subordination shall be determined at the approval of the state budget by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR upon submission of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
Article 14. In addition to the foreseen expenditures, the reverse cash balance shall be provided in the state budget of the Georgian SSR at the expense of residual funds. The amount of reverse cash balance shall be determined upon approval of the state budget of the Georgian SSR.
The reverse cash balance may be utilized within a year for covering the cash break-off and it shall be restored within the same year.
Article 22. The law on the State Budget of the Georgian SSR shall be published for nationwide awareness.
Article 23. In case of adoption of laws of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR, or the decrees of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR after adoption of the state budget of the Georgina SSR, upon which the expenditure of the budgets of autonomous republics, cities and districts under republican jurisdiction included within the Georgian SSR shall increase, or the income shall decrease, these funds shall be responded from the state budget of the Georgian SSR.
Part III
The Republican Budget of the Georgian SSR
Article 31. The republican budget of the Georgian SSR shall provide the necessary funds for financing of measures of all-republican significance in the filed of economic and cultural development. For the purpose of comprehensive economic development and securing the increase of welfare and cultural level of the workers of the Georgian SSR redistribution of financial resources between the autonomous republics, autonomous oblast, cities (within republican jurisdiction) and districts shall be exercised through the republican budget of the Georgian SSR.
Article 32. The following incomes shall be consolidated into the republican budget of the Georgian SSR:
a) deductions from profits and other takings from the enterprises and economic organizations under subordination of the Council of Republic Economy of the Georgian SSR, Ministries and agencies of the Georgian SSR except the part of deductions from the profits of enterprises and economic organizations of the Council of Public Economy, subject to transfer to the All-Union budget;
b) profit from forestry, income tax from collective farms, income tax from enterprises and organizations of consumers’ cooperatives and enterprises of public organizations;
c) Agricultural tax;
d) deductions from the income tax from the population in amount of 50%;
e) other incomes directed to the republican budget in pursuance to the legislation of the USSR.
In addition to the aforementioned incomes, the budget of the Georgian SSR shall incorporate:
a) funds of a state social insurance for payment of pensions;
b) deductions from turnover tax and from other All-Union state revenues and taxes.
Article 11. The following expenditures shall be included in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR:
a) for financing the enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the Council of Public Economy, ministries and agencies of the Georgian SSR.
b) for financing the arrangements carried out by the enterprises and organizations in the field of culture, sciences, health-care, sport, as well as for payment of pensions, allowances to the families having many children and to unwed mothers and for other arrangements aimed at social protection;
c) for maintaining the organs of state authority and state administration of the Georgian SSR, judicial institutions and notary’s offices;
d) for other arrangements financed from the republican budget of the Georgian SSR in accordance with the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
The funds for transferring to the republican budgets of the Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR and local budgets of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, districts and cities under the republican subordination, shall be included in the expenditure part of the republican budget of the Georgian SSR upon deductions from the All-Union taxes and incomes.
Article 34. In accordance with Article 12 of this law the reserve fund of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall be formed within the republican budget of the Georgian SSR.
Article 35. In addition to the foreseen expenditures the reverse cash balance shall be formed in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR at the expense of the surplus funds in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR in the beginning of planned fiscal year.
The amount of reverse cash balance shall be determined at approval of the republican budget of the Georgian SSR.
The surplus funds of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, Councils of Ministers of the autonomous republics, as well as the fund for incidental expenses for the executive committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall be formed in the state budget of the Georgian SSR for the purpose of covering the urgent needs of the public economy, social and cultural events and of other arrangements that couldn’t have been foreseen at the time the budget of the Georgian SSR had been approved.
The reverse cash balance may be appropriated within a year for covering the cash gap and it shall be restored in the same year.
Article 36. The additional incomes, received in the course of implementation of the republican budget of the Georgian SSR shall be directed in financing the measures aimed at developing the public economy and social-cultural events, including the investments in accordance with the rules established by the legislation of the USSR and the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
Article 37. The surpass sum of incomes above expenditure in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR accumulated at the end of fiscal year through over-fulfilled revenues or saved expenditures, except of investments to the enterprises and organizations under subordination of the Council of Public Economy of the Georgian SSR that shall remain at the disposal of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR and appropriated upon its discretion.
Article 38. The republican budget of the Georgian SSR shall be implemented upon the inventory of incomes and expenditures drafted by the Ministry of Finance of the Georgian SSR in accordance with the budget approved by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
Part IV
The State Budgets of the Autonomous Republics
Article 40. The budgetary arrangement of the autonomous republics is determined on the basis of their state arrangement and shall be set up by the Supreme Soviets of the autonomous republics in accordance with this Law.
The Autonomous Republics, included within the Georgian SSR shall have the right to draw-up, discuss, approve and execute the state budgets of the autonomous republics.
Article 41. The following incomes shall be incorporated in the state budget of the autonomous republics:
a) deductions from the profits and other takings from the state enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the ministries and agencies of the autonomous republics and to the executive committees of the local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Republic;
b) income tax from enterprises and organizations of consumers’ cooperation and enterprises of the public organizations;
c) income from the forestry;
d) agricultural tax;
e) local taxes and dues;
f) state duties and other incomes directed for developing the state budget of the autonomous republic in accordance with the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
Article 42. In addition to the incomes specified for in Article 41, the state budget of the autonomous republic shall incorporate deductions from turnover tax, income tax from collective farms, income tax from the population and other state revenues and taxes in amount specified for in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR.
Article 43. The following expenditures shall be incorporated in the state budget of the autonomous republic:
a) for financing of enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the ministries and agencies and executive committees of the local Soviets of people’s Deputies of the Autonomous Republic;
b) for financing the measures aimed at developing the culture, sciences, health-care, sport and social protection carried out by the institutions and organizations of the autonomous republic;
c) for maintaining the organs of state authority and the organs of state administration of the autonomous republic;
d) for other events financed from the budget of the autonomous republic in accordance with the laws of the Georgian SSR.
Article 44. Differentiation of incomes and expenditures of the state budget of the autonomous republic between the republican budget and budgets of cities and districts shall be decided by the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic upon submission of the Council of Ministers of the autonomous republic.
Article 45. In accordance with Article 12 of this Law the reserve fund of the Council of Ministers of the autonomous republic shall be formed in the republican budget of the autonomous republic.
Article 46. In addition to the foreseen expenditures, the reverse cash balance shall be formed in the state budget of the autonomous republic at the expense of the surplus funds of the state budget of the autonomous republic in the beginning of planned fiscal year. The amount of reverse cash balance shall be determined at approval of the state budget of the autonomous republic and it may be increased against the sum fixed for the autonomous republic in the state budget of the Georgian SSR.
The reverse cash balance may be utilized within a year for covering the cash break-off and it shall be restored within the same year.
Article 47. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic shall be authorized to increase the total revenues and change the total expenditures of the state budget of the autonomous republic in the budget of the Georgian SSR established in accordance with Article 21 of this Law; these changes shall be carried out without alteration of scope of deductions from the state taxes and incomes provided in the state budget of the Georgian SSR for the budgets of the autonomous republics.
Article 48. In case of adoption of laws of the autonomous republic, or the decrees of the Council of Ministers of the autonomous republic after adoption of the state budget of the autonomous republic, upon which the expenditure of the budgets of cities and districts under republican (autonomous republic) jurisdiction included within the autonomous republic shall increase, or the income shall decrease, these funds shall be responded to the republican budget of the autonomous republic.
Article 49. The additional incomes received in the course of execution of the budget of the autonomous republic shall be appropriated for financing of public economy and social-cultural arrangements, including the investments in accordance with the rules established by the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 50. The surpass amount of incomes above expenditures in the republican budget of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara accumulated at the end of fiscal year through over fulfilled revenues or saved expenditures shall remain at disposal of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of the Adjarian ASSR and may be appropriated for financing the public economy and social-cultural arrangements.
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, in certain cases, may redistribute this amount.
Article 51. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republics shall determine the budgetary rights of the autonomous republics and the budgets of the local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the autonomous republics.
Part V
Local budget of the autonomous oblast
Article 52. Local budget of the autonomous oblast shall provide the monetary resources for financing the economic and cultural development carried out by the Soviet of people’s deputies of the autonomous oblast.
Article 53. The budget of the autonomous oblast shall include:
a) deduction from profits and other takings from enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the executive committees of the Soviets of people’s deputies of the autonomous oblast.
b) Income tax from enterprises and organizations of consumers’ cooperation and enterprises of public organizations;
c) Local taxes and dues;
d) State duties and other incomes directed for forming the local budget of the autonomous oblast on accordance with the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
Article 54. In addition to the incomes specified for in Article 53, the state budget of the autonomous oblast shall incorporate deductions from turnover tax, income tax from collective farms, income tax from the population and other state revenues and taxes in amount specified for in the republican budget of the Georgian SSR.
Article 55. The budget of the autonomous oblast shall include the following expenditures:
a) for financing enterprises and economic organizations subordinate to the executive committees of the local Soviets of people’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast;
b) for financing of arrangements in the field of education, sciences, culture, health-care, sport and social protection carried out by the enterprises and organizations subordinate of the executive committees of Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast;
c) for maintaining the organs of state authority and the organs of state administration of the autonomous oblast;
d) for other arrangements financed from the budget of the autonomous oblast in accordance with the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
Article 56. In addition to the foreseen expenditures, the reverse cash balance shall be formed in the budget of the autonomous oblast at the expense of the surplus funds of the said budget in the beginning of planned fiscal year.
The amount of reverse cash balance shall be determined at approval of the budget of the Autonomous Oblast in the State budget of the Georgian SSR.
The reverse cash balance may be appropriated within a year for covering the temporary cash gaps and it shall be restored within the same year.
Article 57. Differentiation of incomes and taxes of the budget of the autonomous oblast between the oblast budget and the budgets of cities and districts shall be decided by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast upon submission of the executive committee.
Article 58. In accordance with Article 53 of this law, the fund of unexpected expenditures of the executive committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast shall be formed in the oblast budget of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 66. In case of adoption of Resolution by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the autonomous oblast after approval of the budget of the autonomous Oblast, upon which the expenditure of the budgets of cities and districts under oblast jurisdiction shall increase, or the income shall decrease, these funds shall be responded to the budget of the autonomous oblast.
Article 67. The additional incomes received in the course of execution of the budget of the autonomous Oblast shall be appropriated for financing of public economy and social-cultural arrangements, including the investments in accordance with the rules established by the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 68. The surpass amount of incomes above expenditures in the budget of the Autonomous Oblast of South accumulated at the end of fiscal year through over fulfilled revenues or saved expenditures shall remain at disposal of the Executive Committee of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and may be appropriated for financing the public economy and social-cultural arrangements
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, in certain cases, may redistribute this amount.
Chairman of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR G. Dzotsenidze
Secretary of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR Z. Geldiashvili
Tbilisi, 27 December 1961
(Messengers of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, N 3, 1962, p. 159-193/in Georgia)
1971
LAW OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on District Soviets of People‘s Deputies of the Georgian SSR adopted on 9 December 1971
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Article 1. In conformity to the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the District Soviets of People‘s Deputies, as the organ of the state authority in the District, shall deal with all matters of local significance in accordance with the interest of the whole state and of the citizens residing in the area under their jurisdiction, implement the decisions made by the higher organs of state authority; lead the activity of lower People‘s Councils, take part in the discussion of matters of the Republican and All-Union significance, and submit their proposals concerning them.
Article 2. The District Soviets of People‘s Deputies shall be elected by the citizens residing on the territory of the district through universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballots for a term of 36 months.
The procedures for conducting the elections of the District Soviets shall be determined by the laws of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR, and in the Autonomous SSR of Abkhazia and Autonomous SSR of Adjara – also by the laws of these republics.
Article 6. The District Soviets of the People‘s Deputies shall be guided by the Constitution of the USSR and Georgian SSR, this law. the laws of the USSR and Georgian SSR, decrees and other acts issued by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of Georgian SSR observes the Constitution of the USSR, decision and orders of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, decisions of higher Soviets of the People‘s Deputies and their executive committees.
The Soviet of People‘s Deputies in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR shall also pursue the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR, the Constitution of the Adjarian ASSR, the legislation of the Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR on the Local Soviets and the other legal acts issued by the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR.
Article 7. The District Soviet of People‘s Deputies shall make the decisions within the limits established by the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and in the Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR, also in pursuance of the legislation of the Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR; the District Soviets shall secure the executions of the decisions within the limits of its competence.
The decisions of the District Soviets shall be binding on all enterprises, organizations, and institutions located in district area and on officials and citizens.
In the event of failure of fulfilling the decision of the District soviet and its executive committee by the heads of subordinate enterprises, institutions and organizations, the relevant superior organs have the right to submit the proposals on imposition of disciplinary sanctions even up to removal from the office. The District Soviet or executive committee shall be informed about results of consideration of the proposals not later than within a month.
Article 8. The District Soviet of People‘s Deputies, directing the work of the city (District subordination), village and settlement Soviets of People‘s Deputies is entitled to revoke the acts of these Soviets if they contradict the relevant legislation.
Article 10. In accordance with the Regulation on the State Flag of the Georgian SSR, the state flag shall be hoisted on the building while the sessions of District Soviet is held, and on the building of the Executive Committee of the District Soviet the flag shall be hoisted permanently. In the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR the flag shall be hosted according to the rule established by the regulations on the Flag of Abkhaz ASSR and on the Flag of Adjarian ASSR respectively.
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Article 11. The District Soviet of People‘s Deputies has a status of a Legal Person.
The executive committee of district soviet of People‘s Deputies has the seal with a Coat of Arms approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR they have the seal approved by the respective Presidium.
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Article 36. The District Soviet of People‘s Deputies is entitled to discuss and decide at the sessions the matters within the limits of its jurisdiction provided for by the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR, also by the legislation of the respective autonomous republic.
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Article 39. In case of discrepancies of decisions of the District Soviet of People‘s Deputies to the law, they may be revoked by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR and South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast such decisions may be revoked respectively by the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Adjarian ASSR and the Soviet of People‘s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
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Article 40. The executive and administrative organ of the District Soviet of People‘s Deputies is the executive committee elected by the Soviet from among its deputies with the following composition: chairman of the Executive Committee, Vice-Chairmen, a Secretary and members from 4 up to 9.
The membership to the executive committee shall be decided by the District Soviet.
Article 41. The executive committee of the District Soviet shall report on its work at least once a year to the Soviet that elected it and to meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence.
Article 42. The executive committee of the District Soviet of people‘s Deputies of republican subordination (Georgian SSR) shall be accountable both to the Soviet that elected it and to the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
The executive committee of the District Soviet of people‘s Deputies of republican subordination (Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR) shall be accountable both to the Soviet that elected it and the Council of Ministers of the respective Autonomous Republic.
The District Soviet of the People‘s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be accountable to the Soviet that elected it and to the Soviet of people‘s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Article 43. The executive committee of District Soviet of People‘s Deputies directs the state, economic and social-cultural development on the territory of the respective Soviet on the basis of decisions of the Soviet of People‘s Deputies and the higher organs of state and administrative authority.
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Article 51. The executive committee of the District Soviet of the People‘s Deputies shall carry out the measures necessary for preparation and holding the elections of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, Supreme Soviet of the Adjarian ASSR, the local Soviets of People‘s Deputies, as well as of District People‘s Courts in accordance with the legislation.
Article 53. The decisions of the Executive Committee of the District Soviet of People’s Deputies may be revoked by the respective Soviet of People’s Deputies and by the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR within the limits of its competence.
The decisions and ordinances of the District Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR may be revoked by the Council of Ministers of the respective autonomous republic within the limits of their competence, and the decisions and ordinances of the District Soviets of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast may be revoked by the District Soviet of the People’s Deputies and the Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Article 56. The District Soviet of People’s Deputies forms the departments and offices.
The list of departments and offices, as well as the procedure of forming shall be defined by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR also by the legislation of the respective autonomous republic.
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The Competence of the Departments and Offices of the District executive Committees shall be determined by the regulations subject to approval of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR they shall be approved by the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic accordingly.
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Article 61. The District Soviet of People’s Deputies elects the standing commissions from the deputies for the purpose to carry out preliminary consideration of the issues under the competence of the District Soviet, to facilitate execution of decisions and control the activity of the state organs, enterprises and organizations.
Article 62. The major tasks of the standing commissions of the District Soviets of the People’s Deputies are as follows:
Control the implementation of the decisions of District Soviets, its executive committee and higher state organs by the Departments and offices, enterprises, organizations and agencies; safeguard the observance of the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR, and in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR the observance of the legislation of the respective Autonomous Republics.
(. . .)
Article 86. (…)
A deputy of the District Soviet may not be prosecuted, or arrested, or incur a court-imposed penalty without consent of the respective District Soviet or, between its sessions, of the respective executive committee.
The decision of the District Soviet or its executive committee on the issue specified for in section 4 of this Article may be annulled: in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the respective autonomous Republic, and in South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast it may be annulled by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast at this sending the issue back to the district soviet for reconsideration. If the District Soviet reaffirms its previous decision, the issue may be decided by the Presidium of the Georgian SSR, and in the Abkhaz ASR and the Adjarian ASSR – by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic accordingly, and in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast – by the Soviet of People’s Deputies on the basis of submission of the Procurator of the Georgian SSR, Procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR, Procurator of the Adjarian ASSR and the Procurator of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
The deputy shall be ensured other conditions for the unhampered and effective exercise of his rights and duties that are established by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR by the legislation of the respective Autonomous Republic.
(The Book of Georgian Laws, Vol. I. Tbilisi, 1985, p. 313-353/in Georgia)
LAW OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on City and the City-District Soviets of Peoples Deputies of
the Georgian SSR adopted on 9 December of 1971
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Article 1. In accordance with the Constitutions of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the Soviets of Cities and City Districts, as the organs of the state authority shall decide the matters of the local significance in the cities and city districts in pursuance to the state interests, as well as to the interests of the citizens of the USSR, execute the decisions of higher state organs, direct the activity of the inferior Soviets of People’s Deputies, participate in discussion of the issues of district, oblast, republican and All-Union significance, submit proposals on the issues.
Article 2. The City and the City-District Soviets shall be elected by the citizens of respective territories on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot for a term of two and a half years.
The rules for elections in District Soviets shall be determined by the laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSE, an in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR also by the laws of the autonomous republic accordingly.
Article 6. The City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be guided by: the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and Constitution of the Georgian SSR, this Law, the other laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, the Decrees and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Resolutions and Decisions of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, the decisions of superior Soviets of People’s Deputies and their Executive Committees.
In the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR the City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall also be guided by: the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR, the Constitution of the Adjarian ASSR, the law of the Abkhaz ASSR and the law of the Adjarian ASSR on the City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies, other acts of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR, decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of the Adjarian ASSR respectively.
Article 7. The City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall adopt decisions within the limits established by the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and in the Adjarian ASSR also in pursuance of the legislation of the respective Autonomous Republic; The City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall secure the observance of the aforementioned laws, safeguard their implementation, control the execution of decisions.
The decisions of the City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies are binding to the enterprises, institutions and organizations, also the officials and citizens on the territory of respective Soviet.
In the event of failure of fulfilling the decisions of the City and City District Soviets by the heads of subordinate enterprises, institutions and organizations, the relevant superior organs are entitled to file the proposal on application of disciplinary measures up to removal from the office. The District Soviet or its executive committee shall be informed about the results of consideration not later than within one month.
Article 8. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall decide the issue on forming the cities at the places of rural settlements. The procedure for changing the city boundaries shall be determined by the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall form the City District (district within the city) in accordance of the number of population and proceeding from the interests of the population upon proposal of the oblast Soviet of the people’s Deputies, City Soviet of People’s Deputies of Republican subordination (Georgian SSR), and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR upon proposal of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the respective autonomous Republic subject to approval by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR. The boundaries of the City Districts shall be determined and altered by the respective City Soviet taking in account the visions of the relevant City District’s soviet.
Article 9. In accordance with the Regulation on the State Flag of the Georgian SSR, the state flag shall be hoisted on the building where the sessions of City and City District Soviets are being held; the flag shall remain there during the session period. And on the buildings of city and city district executive committees the flag shall be hoisted permanently. . In the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR the flag shall be hosted according to the rule established by the regulations on the Flag of Abkhaz ASSR and on the Flag of Adjarian ASSR respectively.
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Article 10. The City and City District Soviet shall have the status of a legal person.
The executive committee of City and City District Soviet of People‘s Deputies has the seal with a Coat of Arms approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR they have the seal approved by the respective Presidium.
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Article 11. The rights and responsibilities of the City Soviet shall be determined by the legislations of the USSR an the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR by the legislation of respective Autonomous Republic according to the category of the city (subordinate to the Georgian SSR, the Abkhaz ASSR, the Adjarian ASSR, the oblast). The category shall be decided on the basis of rules established by the law in account of the number of population, political, economic and cultural significance of the given city.
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Article 25. For the purpose of safeguarding the observance of the law, maintaining the public order, protecting the rights of citizens and exercising the people’s control, the City Soviet of People’s Deputies shall:
1) secure the execution of the laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and in the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjaria also the laws of the autonomous republics accordingly, as well as of other acts issued by the higher organs of the state authority and administration; maintain the state and public order; secure the rights and legal interests of the organizations and institutions, cooperative and other public organizations; organize the interpretation of the legislation and legal assistance to the population.
Article 27. The city Soviet of People’s Deputies is entitled to submit the recommendation on granting the medals and conferring the honorific titles of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, and in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR also on the state awards of the respective autonomous republic.
Article 28. The City Soviet of People’s Deputies shall direct the work of the Village and Settlement Soviets included within its area, approve the plans of economic and social development of the villages and settlements, determine the total amount of village and settlement budgets, approve the income from state taxes, separate the revenues and expenditures of the city, village and settlement budgets, perform the other function specified for by the law of the Georgian SSR on District Soviet of People’s Deputies; and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR, also in pursuance to the laws of these Autonomous Republics on District Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 29. Under the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the rural districts may be included under the administrative subordination of the District Soviet of the people’s Deputies on the exceptional basis. In this case and also if there are agricultural enterprises or collective farms on the territory of the City, the City Soviets shall be guided by this law and the law of the Georgian SSR on District Soviets of people’s Deputies, and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR also by the laws on the District Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Republic accordingly.
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Article 40. The City and City District Soviets of the People’s Deputies shall be entitled to discuss and settle at their sessions all matters within their power specified for by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR also by the legislation of respective autonomous republic...
Article 43. The decisions of the City (under oblast and district subordination), also city district Soviets of People’s Deputies may be revoked by the higher Soviet of People’s Deputies if they run counter to legislation.
The decisions of the City (under Republican subordination, i.e. Georgian SSR. Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR) may be revoked by the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Presidium of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Presidium of the Adjarian ASSR correspondingly.
2. The Executive Committee of the City and City District Soviets of People’s Deputies
Article 45. The executive and administrative bodies of the City and the City-District Soviets of the people’s Deputies shall be the Executive Committee elected by them from among their deputies consisting of: the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Vice-Chairmen, as secretary and not more than 15 members of the Executive Committee.
The membership of the Executive Committee of the City and the City District Soviets shall be determined by the respective City and the City-district Soviet.
Article 47. The Executive Committee of the City (under oblast and district subordination) and the City-District Soviets shall be directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected it and to the higher executive and administrative organ.
The executive committees of the City (under Republican subordination, i.e. Georgian SSR, Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR) Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected them and to the Council of ministers of the Georgian SSR, the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of the Adjarian ASSR accordingly.
Article 48. The executive committees of the City and City-District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall direct the state, economic and social-cultural development of their area on the basis of decisions of higher state and administrative organs.
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Article 58. The decisions and ordinances of the executive committees of the City and City-District Soviets of People’s Deputies may be revoked by the corresponding Soviets of People’s Deputies and by the Executive Committee of the higher Soviets of people’s Deputies.
The decisions and ordinances of the executive committees of the City (under republican subordination, i.e. Georgian SSR, Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR) may be revoked by the corresponding Soviet of People’s Deputies, the Council of ministers of the Georgian SSR, Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR within their competence.
61. The executive committees of the City and City-District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall have the right to form the Departments and offices.
The list of Departments and offices, as well as the rule of their forming shall be determined by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASR also by the legislation of the respective autonomous republic.
(...)
The competence of the executive committees of the City and City-District Soviets of the people’s Deputies shall be determined by the Regulations approved by the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, and in Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR – by the respective Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic.
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3. The standing commissions of the City and City-District Soviets of the people’s Deputies.
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Article 67. The major tasks of the Standing Commissions of the City and City-District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be as follows:
Recall the Deputy of the City and the City-District Soviets.
Exercise control over the execution of the decisions of higher state organs by the Departments and Offices, enterprises, institutions and organizations.
Ensure observance of the laws of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR also of the laws of respective autonomous republic.
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Article 91. ...
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A deputy of the City and the City-District Soviets may not be prosecuted, or arrested, or incur a court-imposed penalty on the territory of the corresponding Soviet without consent of the respective City and City-District Soviet or, between the sessions, of the respective executive committee.
The decisions of the City (under oblast and District Subordination), the City-District Soviets or their executive committees on the issue specified for in section 4 of this Article may be annulled by a higher Soviet of People’s Deputies or its executive committee, and the decisions of the City Soviets under Republican subordination (Georgian SSR, Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR) or their executive committees may be revoked by the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviets of the Georgian SSR, the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR accordingly subject to submission the matter to the corresponding Soviet for reconsideration. If the District Soviet reaffirms its previous decision, the issue may be decided by the Presidium of the Georgian SSR, and in the Abkhaz ASR and the Adjarian ASSR – by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic accordingly, and in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast – by the Soviet of People’s Deputies on the basis of submission of the Procurator of the Georgian SSR, Procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR, Procurator of the Adjarian ASSR and the Procurator of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
The deputy of the City and City-District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be ensured other conditions for the unhampered and effective exercise of his rights and duties that are established by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR by the legislation of the respective Autonomous Republic.
(The Book of Georgian Laws, Vol.1, p. 277-313)
1977
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Chapter 1 Political System
Article 1.The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist state of the whole people, expressing the will and interests of the workers, peasants, and intelligentsia, the working people of all the nations and nationalities of the country.
Article 33. Uniform federal citizenship is established for the USSR. Every citizen of a Union Republic is a citizen of the USSR.
The grounds and procedure for acquiring or forfeiting Soviet citizenship are defined by the Law on Citizenship of the USSR;
When abroad, citizens of the USSR enjoy the protection and assistance of the Soviet state.
Article 34. Citizens of the USSR are equal before the law, without distinction of origin, social or property status, race or nationality, sex, education, language, attitude to religion, type and nature of occupation, domicile, or other status.
The equal rights of citizens of the USSR are guaranteed in all fields of economic, political, social, and cultural life.
Article 36. Citizens of the USSR of different races and nationalities have equal right.
Exercise of these rights is ensured by a policy of all-round development and drawing together of all the nations and nationalities of the USSR, by educating citizens in the spirit of Soviet patriotism and socialist internationalism, and by the possibility to use their native language and the languages of other peoples in the USSR.
Any direct or indirect limitation of the rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect privileges on grounds of race or nationality, and any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness, hostility, or contempt, are punishable by law.
Part III National State Structure
of the USSRChapter 8 Federal State
Article 70. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is an integral, federal, multinational state formed on the principle of socialist federalism as a result of the free self-determination of nations and the voluntary association of equal Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article 73. The jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as represented by its highest bodies of state authority and administration, shall cover:
1. the admission of new republics to the USSR; endorsement of the formation of new autonomous republics and autonomous regions within Union Republics;
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Chapter 10. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
Article 82. An Autonomous Republic is a constituent part of a Union Republic.
In spheres not within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Union Republic, an Autonomous Republic shall deal independently with matters within its jurisdiction.
An Autonomous Republic shall have its own Constitution conforming to the Constitutions of the USSE and the Union Republic with the specific features of the Autonomous Republic being taken into account.
Article 83. An Autonomous Republic takes part in decision-making through the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and of the Union Republic respectively, in matters that come within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the Union Republic.
An Autonomous Republic shall ensure comprehensive economic and social development on its territory, facilitate exercise of the powers of the USSR and the Union Republic on its territory, and implement decisions of the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and the Union Republic.
In matters within its jurisdiction, an Autonomous Republic shall coordinate and control the activity of enterprises, institutions, and organizations subordinate to the Union or the Union Republic.
Article 84. The territory of an Autonomous Republic may not be altered without its consent.
Article 85. …
The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Abkhaz and Adjara Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics.
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Chapter 11. Autonomous Regions (Oblasts) and Areas
Article 86. An Autonomous Region is a constituent part of a Union Republic or Territory. The Law on an Autonomous Region, upon submission by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Region concerned, shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic.
Article 87. The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Part IV. Soviets of People’s Deputies and Procedures for Election
Chapter 12. System and Principles of the Activity of the Soviets of People’s Deputies
Article 89. The Soviets of People’s Deputies, i.e. the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of Union Republics, the Supreme Soviets of Autonomous Republics, the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Territories and Oblasts, the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Autonomous Oblasts and Autonomous Areas, and the Soviets of People’s Deputies of districts, cities, city districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a single system of bodies of state authority.
Article 90. The term of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of Union Republics, and the Supreme Soviets of Autonomous Republics shall be five years.
The term of local Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be two and a half years.
Part V. State Authority and
Administration of the USSRChapter 15. Supreme Soviet
Article 108. The highest body of state authority of the USSR shall be the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
The Supreme Soviet of the USSR is empowered to deal with all matters within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as defined by this Constitution.
The adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the USSR; admission of new Republics to the USSR; endorsement of the formation of new Autonomous Republics and Autonomous Regions; approval of the state plans for economic an social development, of the Budget of the USSR, and of reports on their execution; and the institution of bodies of the USSR accountable to it, are the exclusive prerogative of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
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Article 109. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities.
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Article 110. The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities shall have equal numbers of deputies.
The Soviet of the Union shall be elected by constituencies with equal populations.
The Soviet of Nationalities shall be elected on the basis of the following representation: 32 deputies from each Union Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, five deputies from each Autonomous Region, and one deputy from each Autonomous Area.
Article 141. The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic has the right to suspend the execution of decisions and ordinances of the Councils of Ministers of Autonomous Republics, to rescind the decisions and orders of the Executive Committees of Soviets of People’s Deputies of Territories, Oblasts, and cities (i.e. cities under Republic jurisdiction) and of Autonomous Regions, and in Union Republics not divided into regions, of the Executive Committees of district and corresponding city Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Chapter 18. The Supreme Bodies of state
authority and Government of the Autonomous Republics
Article 143. The highest body of state authority of an Autonomous Republic shall be the Supreme Soviet of that Republic.
Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of an Autonomous Republic; endorsement of state plans for economic and social development, and of the Republic’s Budget; and the formation of bodies accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic are the exclusive prerogative of that Supreme Soviet.
Laws of an Autonomous Republic shall be enacted by the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 144. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic shall elect a Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and shall form a Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic, i.e. the Government of the Autonomous Republic.
Chapter 19. Local Bodies of State Authority and Government
Article 145. The bodies of state authority in Territories, Oblasts, Autonomous Areas, districts, cities, city districts, settlements, and rural communities shall be the corresponding Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 148. Local Soviets of People’s Deputies shall decide matters within the powers accorded them by the legislation of the USSR and of the appropriate Union Republic and Autonomous Republic. Their decisions shall be binding on all enterprises, institutions, and organizations located in their area and on officials and citizens.
Article 149. The executive-administrative bodies of local Soviets shall be the Executive Committees elected by them from among their deputies.
Executive Committees shall report on their work at least once a year to the Soviets that elected them and to meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence.
Article 150. Executive Committees of local Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected them and to the higher executive and administrative body.
Part VII. Justice, Arbitration and
ProcuratorChapter 20. Courts and Arbitration
Article 151. In the USSR justice is administered only by the courts.
In the USSR there are the following courts: the Supreme Court of the USSR, the Supreme Courts of Union Republics, the Supreme Courts of Autonomous Republics, Territorial, Oblast, and city courts, courts of Autonomous Oblasts, courts of Autonomous Areas, district (city) people’s courts, and military tribunals in the Armed Forces.
Article 159. Judicial proceedings shall be conducted in the language of the Union Republic, Autonomous Republic, Autonomous Region, or Autonomous Area, or in the language spoken by the majority of the people in the locality. Persons participating in court proceedings, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case; the services of an interpreter during the proceedings; and the right to address the court in their own language.
Chapter 21. Procurator
Article 164. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws . . . is vested in the Procurator-General of the USSR and procurators subordinate to him.
Article 166. The procurators of Union Republics, Autonomous Republics, Territories, Regions and Autonomous Regions are appointed by the Procurator-General of the USSR. The procurators of Autonomous Areas and district and city procurators are appointed by the Procurators of Union Republics, subject to confirmation by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
Article 168. The agencies of the Procurator’s Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator-General of the USSR.
(…)
7 October 1977
(Constitution (Basic Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Moscow, 1977, p. 5-47)
1978
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Chapter I
Political System
Article 1. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is a socialist state of the whole people.
Chapter 5.
Citizenship of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia. Equality of Citizens
Article 31. According to the uniform federal citizenship established in the USSR, a citizen of the Georgian SSR is a citizen of the USSR.
The ground and procedure for acquiring or forfeiting Soviet citizenship are defined by the Law on Citizenship of the USSR.
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Article 32. Citizens of the Georgian SSR are equal before the law without distinction of origin, social or property status, race or nationality, sex, education, language, attitude to religion, type and nature of occupation, domicile, or other status.
The equal rights of citizens of the Georgian SSR are guaranteed in all fields of economic, political, social, and cultural life.
Article 34. Citizens of different races and nationalities have equal rights.
Exercise of these rights is ensured by a policy if all-round development and drawing together of all the nations and nationalities of the USSR, by education of citizens in the spirit of Soviet patriotism and socialist internationalism, and by the possibility to use their native language and the languages of other peoples in the USSR.
Any direct or indirect limitation of the rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect privileges on grounds of race or nationality, and any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness, hostility, or contempt, are punished by law.
III
National-state and Administrative-
territorial Arrangement of the Georgian SSR
Chapter 7
Georgian SSR is the Union Republic within the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics
Article 68. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is a sovereign Soviet socialist state. . . . The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as a result of the free self-determination of nations voluntarily associated with equal Soviet Socialist Republics in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics – the unified multinational state.
Article 69. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia retains the right to freely secede from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article 70. The territory of Georgia shall not be altered without its consent. The boundaries between the Georgian SSR and other Union Republic may be altered by mutual agreement of the Republics concerned, subject to ratification by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article 71. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia includes: the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
Article 72.The jurisdiction of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, as represented by its highest bodies of state authority and administration, shall cover:
Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR;
2) Control over observance of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and insurances of conformity of the Constitutions of the Abkhaz SSR and of Adjarian SSR to the Constitution of the Georgian SSR;
3) Forming the new autonomous republics and autonomous oblasts within the Georgian SSR subject endorsement by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR;
4) The legislation of the Georgian SSR;
5) Safeguarding the public order, rights and freedoms of citizens;
6) Establishment of rules for organization and functioning of republican and local bodies of state authority and administration;
7) Pursuance of a uniform social and economic policy; direction of the economic sector of the Georgian SSR; promotion of scientific and technological progress and the general measures for rational exploitation and conservation of natural resources;
8) Drafting and approval of state plans for the economic and social development of the Georgian SSR; drafting and approval of the state budget of the Georgian SSR; direct the execution of the budgets of the Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR and the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, as well as of district and city budgets of the state subordination;
9) Determination of income subject to be accommodated in the budget of the Georgian SSR in pursuance the legislation of the USSR;
10) Direction of the sectors of economy, and of enterprises and amalgamations under Republican or Union-Republican jurisdiction, and general direction of industries and enterprises under Republican jurisdiction;
11) Establishment of the rules for the use of land, its bowels, water and forest.
12) Administration of housing and municipal improvements, trade and public catering, public utilities, construction and services, and direction of the road and transport construction in the cities and other settlements;
13) Administration of public education, cultural and scientific institutions and organizations, health-care, physical training and sport, directing the social security; protection of historical and cultural monuments;
14) Issuing the act of amnesty and pardon for citizens convicted by the Courts of the Georgian SSR;
15) Representation of the Georgian SSR in international relations;
16) Dealing with other issues under the jurisdiction of the Republic.
Article 73. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia decides the issues of district division and the other issues relating to the administrative-territorial settlement of the Georgian SSR.
Article 75. The State language of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic shall be Georgian.
The Georgian SSR shall secure the comprehensive development of Georgian language and safeguards its application in the state and public organs, as well as in the cultural, educational and other institutions.
Free application of Russian and other languages, used by the population, shall be secured in the above mentioned organs of the Georgian SSR. Any privileges for or restriction of any language is inadmissible.
Chapter 8,
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
Article 79. Autonomous Republic is a constituent part of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia. In spheres not within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, an Autonomous Republic shall deal independently with matters within its jurisdiction.
An autonomous Republic shall have its own Constitution conforming to the Constitutions of the USSR and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia with the specific features of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 80. The Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara take part in decision-making through the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR, in matters that come within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
The Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara shall ensure comprehensive economic and social development on their territories, facilitate exercise of the powers of the USSR and the Georgian SSR on their territories, and implement decision of the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
In matters within their jurisdiction, the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara shall coordinate and control the activity of enterprises, institutions, and organizations subordinate the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
Article 81. The territories of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara may not be altered without their consent.
Article 82. The laws of the Georgian SSR are binding and shall have the same force on the territory of the Autonomous Republic. In the event of discrepancy between a law of the Autonomous Republic and the Georgian SSR, the law of the Georgian SSR prevails.
Chapter 9
Autonomous Oblast
Article 83. The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
Article 84. The Law on the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR upon submission of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of this Oblast.
IV
The Soviets of People’s Deputies and Elections
Chapter 10.
The system of the Soviets of People’s Deputies and the Principles of their activity
Article 85. The Soviets of People’s Deputies, i.e. the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR, the Soviets of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, and the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Districts, Cities, city districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a single system of bodies of state authority.
Article 86. The term of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara shall be five years.
The term of local Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be two and a half years.
Chapter 11.
Election System
Article 91. Deputies to all Soviets shall be elected on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Article 97. Deputies to Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be elected by constituencies.
A citizen of the Georgian SSR may not, as a rule, be elected to more than two Soviets of People’s Deputies
(…)
The procedure for holding elections to Soviets of People’s Deputies shall be defined by the laws of the USSR, and of the Georgian SSR, and in the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara – also by the laws of these autonomous republics.
V
The highest bodies of State Authority and
Administration of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Chapter 13.
The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR
Article 105. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall consist of 440 deputies elected by constituencies with the equal number of population.
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Article 108. The right to initiate legislation in the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR is vested in the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara through their highest bodies of state authority, standing commission and other commission of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, Deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR, and the Procurator of the Georgian SSR.
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Article 110. The laws of the Georgian SSR, the Resolutions and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall be published in Georgian and Russian languages, and for the Autonomous Republics and Autonomous oblast – also in the language f respective autonomous republic or oblast over the signature of the Chairman and Secretary of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
Article 113. The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall elect the Presidium – the standing body of the Supreme Soviet of Georgia. The Presidium is accountable to the Supreme Soviet of Georgia and in the periods between the convocation of the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of Georgia it shall carry out the function of the state authority of the Georgian SSR within the scope established by this Constitution.
Article 114. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall be elected from among the Deputies and shall consist of a Chairman, three Vice-Chairmen, among them two chairmen from the Autonomous Republics, a Secretary, and fourteen members of the presidium.
Article 115. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall:
8) determine the rules for administrative-territorial settlement of the Georgian SSR; determine and alters the boundaries of the Autonomous Oblast and districts; establish the cities in the districts and districts in the cities; decide the jurisdiction of the cities; changes the place names of the districts, cities, villages and settlements;
9) Approve the district division, of the Autonomous Republics, as well as of creation of cities and districts of the cities, changes of place-names.
10) Revoke decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR and of the Councils of Ministers of the Autonomous Republics, and the Council of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast, decisions of the District, City (Republican jurisdiction) Soviets in the event they fail to conform to the law.
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Article 116. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR and subject to submission for its confirmation at the next session, shall:
2) approve changes in the boundaries of the Autonomous Republic; create the new districts and cities of the republican jurisdiction;
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Chapter 14
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR
Article 122. The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, i.e. the Government of the Georgian SSR, is the highest executive and administrative body of the state authority of the Georgian SSR.
Article 123. The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall be formed by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR and shall consist of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, First Vice Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, Ministers of the Georgian SSR, and Chairmen of State Committees of the Georgian SSR.
The Chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR shall be ex officio members of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
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Article 125. Within its power the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall:
7) Coordinate and direct the work of Councils of Ministers of the Autonomous Republics, and of the executive committees of the local Soviets of the People’s Deputies.
Article 128. The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR has the right, in matters within its jurisdiction, to suspend execution of decisions and ordinances of the Councils of Minister of the Autonomous Republics, and to rescind decisions and orders of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia, the District, City (republican jurisdiction) Soviets of People’s Deputies.
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VI
The highest bodies of State Authority and
Administration of the Autonomous Republics
Chapter 15.
The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic
Article 131. The highest bodies of state authority of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara shall be the Supreme Soviet of these Republics accordingly.
The Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara are authorized to decide the matters under their jurisdiction in conformity to the Constitution of the USSR, the Constitution of the Georgian SSR and the Constitution of the respective Autonomous Republic.
Adoption and amendment of the Constitutions of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR; endorsement of state plans for economic and social development, and of the Republic’s Budget; endorsement of the reports on implementation of the budget; the formation of bodies accountable to the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR are the exclusive prerogative of the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Adjara.
Laws of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR shall be enacted by the Supreme Soviets of these Autonomous Republics.
Article 132. The Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR shall elect the Presidiums of the Autonomous Republics – the standing bodies of the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR. The respective Presidiums are accountable to the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR and in the periods between the convocation of the sessions of the Supreme Soviets of the Autonomous Republics the respective Presidiums shall carry out the function of the state authority of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR within the scope established by law.
The composition and competence of the Presidium of the Autonomous Republics shall be determined by the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR.
Chapter 16.
The Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic
Article 133. The Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR, i.e. the Governments of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR, are the highest executive and administrative bodies of the state authority of the Autonomous Republics.
The Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR are accountable to the Supreme Soviets of the respective Autonomous Republic, and in the period between the convocation of sessions of the Supreme Soviets – to the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR accordingly.
Article 134. The Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR issue the decision and ordinances on the basis of the legislative acts of the USSR, Georgian SSR, Autonomous Republics, and of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, coordinate and control their execution.
Article 135. The Council of Ministers of Abkhazia and the Council of Ministers of Adjara have the right to revoke decisions and instructions of the Executive Committees of the District and City (Republican jurisdiction) Soviets of the people’s Deputies.
Article 136. The Council of Ministers of Abkhazia and the Council of Ministers of Adjara have the right to revoke the acts of the Ministries, State Committees and other subordinate organs of their respective Republics.
Article 136. The Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR coordinate and direct the work of the ministries, State Committees and other subordinate organs of the Autonomous Republics.
The Ministries of the Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR direct the branches of state administration under their competence or execute the inter-institutional management and are subordinate to the Council of Ministers and State Committees of the respective Autonomous Republic, as well as of the Georgian SSR.
VIII
The local organs of state authority and
government of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia
Chapter 17
Article 137. The organs of state authority in the Autonomous Oblast, districts, cities and rural settlements of the Georgian SSR are the Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 140. The local Soviets of People’s Deputies adopt decisions and issue orders within the limits of the powers vested in them by the laws of the USSR, Georgian SSR and of the Autonomous Republic.
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Article 141. The local Soviets of People’s Deputies convene the sessions of their respective executive committees at least once a year.
The Local Soviets of People’s Deputies are authorized to discuss and decide any matters under their competence in pursuance of the legislations of the USSR, Georgian SSR and respective Autonomous Republic. The list of matters decided solely at the session shall be specified in the laws on the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Chapter 18.
Executive committees of the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies
Article 145. The executive and administrative organs of the Local Soviets of the People’s Deputies shall be the executive committees elected by the respective Soviets consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, a secretary and members.
The executive committees, at least once a year, shall submit the reports on their activity to the respective Soviets they are elected by, and hold the meetings of the workers’ organizations and citizens in accordance to their domiciliary.
Article 146. The executive committees of the Local Soviets of the people’s Deputies are accountable to the respective Soviets, as well as to the executive organs of higher Soviets.
Article 150. For the purpose of management of certain branches, the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia, district and city Soviets are authorized to form the executive Divisions and Offices. These Divisions and Offices are subordinate to the respective Soviets and executive committees, as well as to the higher relevant organ of the state authority.
The matters under competence of the executive Divisions and offices of the Executive Committees of Local Soviets of people’s Deputies, also the rules for their creation shall be determined by the legislation of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and the respective Autonomous Republic.
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Chapter 20
The Budget of the Georgian SSR
Article 158. The budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia is a constituent part of the budget of the USSR.
Article 159. The budget of the Georgian SSR unites the budgets of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia ad Adjara and the local budgets.
Article 160. The separation of revenues and expenditures of the budget of the Georgian SSR shall be defined by the law of the Georgian SSR on Budgetary Rights of the Georgian SSR, Autonomous Republics and Local Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 161. The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall draw-up the state budget of the Georgian SSR on the basis of the Economic and Social Development Plan of the Georgian SSR, and of the budget of the USSR. The budget shall be approved by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR…
Article 162. The report on implementation of the budget of the Georgian SSR shall be endorsed by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR…
IX
Administration of Justice, Arbitration and Procurator
Chapter 21.
Courts and Arbitration
Article 163. In the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia justice is administered solely by the Courts.
The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR, Supreme Courts of the Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous Republics, Tbilisi City Court, the Court of Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia and district (city) people’s courts are the Courts of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
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Article 165. The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR is the highest judicial body in the Georgian SSR. It is entitled to supervise the administration of justice at the courts of the Georgian SSR.
The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and People’s Assessors.
Article 171. Judicial proceedings in the Georgia SSR shall be conducted in Georgian or in the language of Autonomous Republic, or Autonomous oblast or in the language of majority of the local population of given localities. Persons participating in the court proceedings, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through the interpreter, and the rights to address the court in their own language
Chapter 22
Procurator’s Office
Article 176. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws. . . is vested in the Procurator-General of the USSR, as well as in the Procurator of the Georgian SSR subordinate to him and other inferior procurators.
Article 177. The Procurator of the Georgian SSR, as well as the procurators of the Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous SSR and of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast is appointed by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
The District and City Procurators are appointed by the Procurator of the Georgian SSR subject to approval by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
Article 178. The term of office of the Procurator of the Georgian SSR and of other inferior Procurators is 5 years.
Article 179. The agencies of the Procurator’s Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the USSR.
(…)
15 April 1978
(Collection of the Constitutional Acts of the Georgian SSR, p. 249-293)
CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
I. The organization of the society and the principles of the policy of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Chapter I
Political system
Article 1. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a socialist state of the whole people…
Article 2. All power in the Abkhaz ASSR belongs to the people.
The people exercise state power through Soviets of People’s Deputies, which constitute the political foundation of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 5. Major matters of state life shall be submitted to nationwide discussion and put to a popular vote (referendum)
Article 11. State property, i.e. the common property of the Soviet people, is the principal form of socialist property
The land, its minerals, waters, and forests are the exclusive property of the state. The state owns the basic means of production in industry, construction, and agriculture; means of transport and communication; the banks; the property of state-run trade organizations and public utilities, and other state-run undertakings; most urban housing; and other property necessary for state purposes.
Article 16. The economy of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is an integral part of the economy of the Georgian SSR, i.e. of the united public-economic complex that includes every sector of production, distribution and exchange on the territory of the USSR
II. State and individual
Chapter 4
Citizenship and equality of individuals in the Abkhaz SSR
Article 28. According to the uniform federal citizenship established in the USSR, every citizen of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a citizen of the Georgian SSR and the USSR
The grounds and procedure for acquiring or forfeiting Soviet citizenship are defined by the Law on Citizenship of the USSR
The citizens of the Georgian SSR and other Union Republics enjoy the equal rights as for citizens of the Abkhaz ASSR.
When abroad, citizens of the Abkhaz ASSR enjoy the protection and assistance of the Soviet state.
Article 31. Citizens of the Abkhaz ASSR enjoy the equal rights without distinction of race or nationality.
Exercise of these rights is ensured by a policy of all-round development and drawing together of all the nations and nationalities of the USSR, by educating citizens in the spirit of Soviet patriotism and socialist internationalism, and by the possibility to use their native language and the languages of other peoples in the USSR.
Any direct or indirect restriction of the rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect privileges on grounds of race or nationality, and any advocacy of racial or national exclusiveness, hostility, or contempt, are punishable by law.
III. Administrative-territorial arrangement of the
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia
Chapter 6.
Article 64. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is a Soviet Socialist state which is a constituent part of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
Outside the spheres of the Constitutions of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, the Abkhaz ASSR exercises independent authority on its territory.
Article 65. The Territory of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia may not be altered without its consent.
Article 66. The Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia shall exercise its jurisdiction through its highest bodies of state authority and administration, which covers:
1) Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR and control its observance;
2) Legislation of the Abkhaz ASSR;
3) Securing of state order, protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms;
4) Introduction of the rules for administration and activity of the organs of the state authority and government in pursuance of the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
5) Securing the implementation of the uniformed social-economic policy; administration of the economy of the Abkhaz ASSR; development of the scientific-technical progress and securing the rational use of the natural resources, and implementation of measures for environment protection;
6) Elaboration and approval of the state plans on economic and social development of the Abkhaz ASSR; draw-up and approval of the state budget of the Abkhaz ASSR, districts of republican subordination and cities; directing the implementation of the mentioned budgets.
7) Determination of the revenues used for forming the budget of the Abkhaz ASSR in accordance of the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
8) Administration of the field of public economy under the jurisdiction of the Republic; direct the work of the organizations and enterprises under the republican or local subordination;
9) Control the use of land, its vowels, water and forest; environment protection according with the rules established by the legislations of the USSR and the Georgian SSR;
10) Administration of municipal improvement, housing, trade, public services in the cities and other settlements; direct the road construction and transport matters.
11) Administration of the educational, cultural and scientific organizations and establishments of the Abkhaz ASSR; direct the health-care, physical training and sport affairs; protection of history and cultural monuments;
12) Deciding the other important matters of the republican significance.
Article 67. The Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia takes part in decision-making through the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR, in matters that come within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
The Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall ensure comprehensive economic and social development on its territory, facilitate exercise of the powers of the USSR and the Georgian SSR on its territory, and implement decisions of the highest bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
In matters within its jurisdiction, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia shall coordinate and control the activity of enterprises, institutions, and organizations subordinate to the Union or the Georgian SSR.
Article 70. The state languages of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia are: Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian.
The Abkhaz ASSR administers the state care of the comprehensive development of the Abkhaz language and secures the application of Abkhaz and other state languages at the state and public organs, as well as at the cultural, educational and other establishments.
Application of other languages at the aforementioned organs and establishments, used by the population, shall be secured. Any privileges or restriction over the application of any language in use is inadmissible.
Article 71. The laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR are binding on the territory of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Chapter 7
Administrative-territorial arrangement of the Abkhaz ASSR
Article 72. The district division and the matters relating to the administrative-territorial arrangement shall be decided by the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 73. The Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia includes the following districts: Gali, Gudauta, Gulripshi, Ochamchire, Sukhumi, and the cities of republican (Abkhaz ASSR) subordination – Sukhumi, Gagra, Tkvarcheli.
V. The Supreme Organs of the state authority and administration
Chapter 11.
The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR
Article 93. The highest organ of state authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia is the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR.
The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR is authorized to decide the issues under its jurisdiction specified for in the Constitutions of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and in this Constitution.
Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR; endorsement of the economic and social development plans of the Abkhaz ASSR; approval of the budget and of the report on budget implementation.
The organs accountable to the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia shall be created solely by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Adoption of the laws of the Abkhaz ASSR by the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia.
Article 94. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR consists of 140 members elected by the constituencies with the equal number of population. …
Article 96. The sessions of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia shall be convoked twice a year.
The special sessions of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia shall be convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet upon its own initiative or at the request of not less than one-third of the Deputies of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia.
The Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR includes: the sittings of the Supreme Soviets, as well as the sittings of the standing and other Commissions, which shall be convened between the sessions of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia.
Article 98. The draft-laws and other issues submitted to the Supreme Soviet shall be discussed at the session of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia. Where necessary, a draft-law or other matter may be referred to one or more commissions for preliminary or additional consideration.
A draft law of the Abkhaz ASSR, the Resolutions and other acts of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be deemed to be adopted if it is supported by the majority of the members of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia.
The draft-laws of the Abkhaz ASSR and the major matters of state life, upon decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR or its Presidium, shall be submitted to nationwide discussion and put to a popular vote (referendum).
Article 99. The laws of the Abkhaz ASSR, the Resolutions and other acts issued by the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia shall be published in Abkhaz, Georgian and Russian languages over the signatures of the Chairman and Secretary of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia.
Article 102. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall elect the Presidium of the Abkhaz ASSR, which shall be a standing body of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia, accountable to it for all its work and exercising the functions of the highest body of state authority of the Abkhaz ASSR between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, within the limits prescribes by the Constitution.
Article 103. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be elected from among the Deputies and shall consist of a Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen, a Secretary, and nine members.
Article 104. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR shall:
1) name the date of elections to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR and to the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies;
2) convene sessions of the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia;
3) coordinate the work of the standing commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR;
4) ensure observance of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR;
5) interpret the laws of the Abkhaz ASSR;
6) direct the work of the Local Soviets of the peoples’ Deputies;
7) determine the rule for administrative-territorial arrangement of the Abkhaz ASSR; name the new towns and rural settlements; decide the matters of the district division, creation of cities and districts within cities, change the names of the districts, cities and districts within cities - subject to approval of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Georgia.
8) revoke the decrees and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of Abkhazia, as well as the decision of the district, city (republican subordination) Soviets of People’s Deputies if they do not conform to the law.
9) institute honorific titles of the Abkhaz ASSR; award the Certificate of Appreciation of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
10) exercise other powers vested in it by the Constitution and laws of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 105. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and subject to submission for its confirmation at the next session, shall:
1) amend existing legislative acts of the Abkhaz ASSR when necessary;
2) create districts and cities of republican jurisdiction, name and re-name the places in pursuance of the rules established by law;
3) form and abolish the Ministries, state committees and other organs of state administration established by the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR;
4) relieve individual members of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR of their responsibilities and appoint persons to the Council of Ministers on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 106. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR promulgates decrees and adopts decisions.
Article 109. The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall supervise the work of all state bodies accountable to it.
The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR shall form a Committee of People’s Control of the Abkhaz ASSR to head the system of people’s control.
Chapter 12.
Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR
Article 111. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, i.e. the Government of the Abkhaz ASSR is the supreme executive and administrative body of the state authority of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 112. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be formed by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and shall consist of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, First Vice Chairman and Vice-Chairmen, Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, and Chairmen of State Committees of the Abkhaz ASSR and the heads of other state authorities established by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
The Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, may include in the Government of the Abkhaz ASSR the heads of other bodies and organizations of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 113. The Council of Minister of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall report regularly on its work of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 114. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR is empowered to deal with all matters of state administration within the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia Union of Soviet Socialist Republics insofar as, under the Constitution, they on not come within the competence of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR or the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Within its powers the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall:
1) ensure direction of economic, social and cultural development; draft and implement measures to promote the well-being and cultural development of the people, to develop science and engineering, to ensure rational exploitation and conservation of natural resources, to consolidate the monetary and credit system, to implement the measures for administration of state insurance and a uniform system of accounting and statistics; and organize the management of industrial, constructional, and agricultural enterprises and amalgamations, transport and communications undertakings, and other organizations and institutions of the Republican and local subordination;
2) draft current and long-term state plans for the economic and social development of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Budget of the Abkhaz ASSR, and submit them to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR; take measures to execute the state plans and Budget; and report to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR on the implementation of the plans and Budgets; for the purpose of economic and social development of the districts and cities of the republican subordination coordinate and control the enterprises, organizations and agencies of the Union and Republican (Georgian SSR) subordination on the issues under the jurisdiction of the Abkhaz ASSR; submit the plans and reports on the budget implementation to the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR;
3) implement measures to defend the interests of the state, protect socialist property and maintain public order, and guarantee and protect citizens’ rights and freedoms;
4) when necessary, form committees, boards and other departments under the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR to deal with matters of economic, social and cultural development;
5) take measures to ensure state security and defence within the competence established by the constitution.
6) direct the work of the executive committees of the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 116. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, on the basis of, and in pursuance of, the laws of the USSR, Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz ASSR shall issue decisions and ordinances and verify their execution. The decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be binding throughout the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 117. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR has the right, in matters within its jurisdiction, and to revoke decisions of the executive committees of the district and city (republican subordination) Soviets of People’s Deputies.
The Council of Ministries of the Abkhaz ASSR has the right to revoke the acts of the Ministries and State Committees or other subordinate organs of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 118. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall coordinate and direct the work of ministries, state committees and other bodies subordinate to it.
The ministries and state committees of the Abkhaz ASSR shall direct the work of the branches of administration entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch administration and they are subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR, as well as to the relevant ministry or state committee of the Georgian SSR.
Ministries, state committees and other bodies of administration of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be responsible for the condition and development of the spheres of administration entrusted to them; within their competence, they issue orders and other acts on the basis of, and in execution of, the legal acts of the USSR, the Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz ASSR, and decisions and ordinances of the relevant ministries or state committees of the Georgian SSR, and organize and verify their implementation.
VII. State Plan of the Economic and Social Development of the Abkhaz ASSR and the State Budget of the Abkhaz ASSR
Article 138. The budget of the Abkhaz ASSR is constituent part of the budget of the Georgian SSR.
The budget of the Abkhaz ASSR consolidates the state budget of the Abkhaz ASSR and the local budget.
Separation of the Revenue and Expenditure components of the Republican budget of the Abkhaz SSR shall be determined by the law of the Abkhaz ASSR on Budgetary Rights of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies.
Article 139. The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR shall draw-up the state budget of the Abkhaz ASSR on the basis of the Economic and Social Development Plans, and of the budget of the Abkhaz ASSR. The budget shall be approved by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 162. The report on implementation of the budget of the Georgian SSR shall be endorsed by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR…
Article 141. The reports on implementation of the Economic and Social Development plans, as well as of the budget of the Abkhaz ASSR, shall be reviewed and endorsed by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR. The general indicators of implementation of the plans and budget shall be published.
VIII. Administration of justice, Arbitration and Procurator
Article 141. In the Abkhaz ASSR justice is administered only by the courts.
Article 163. In the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia justice is administered solely by the Courts.
The Supreme Court of the Georgian SSR, Supreme Courts of the Abkhaz and Adjarian Autonomous Republics, Tbilisi City Court, the Court of Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia and district (city) people’s courts are the Courts of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
(…)
Article 144. The Supreme Court of the Abkhaz ASSR is the highest judicial body in the Abkhaz ASSR. It is entitled to supervise the administration of justice at the courts of the Abkhaz ASSR.
The Supreme Court of the Abkhaz ASSR shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR for a term of five years consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and People’s Assessors.
Article 150. Judicial proceedings in the Abkhaz ASSR shall be conducted in Abkhaz, or Georgian or in Russian language, or in the language of majority of the local population of given localities. Persons participating in the court proceedings, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through the interpreter, and the rights to address the court in their own language
Chapter 16
Procurator’s Office
Article 155. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of laws. . . is vested in the Procurator-General of the USSR, the Procurator of the Georgian SSR subordinate to him and other inferior procurators and the procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR and his subordinate procurators..
Article 177. The Procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR is appointed by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
The District and City Procurators are appointed by the Procurator of the Georgian SSR subject to approval by the Procurator-General of the USSR.
Article 157. The term of office of the Procurator of the Abkhaz ASSR and of other inferior Procurators is 5 years.
Article 158. The agencies of the Procurator’s Office exercise their powers independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the Procurator of the USSR.
IX. Emblem, Flag and Capital of the Abkhaz ASSR
Article 159. The state Emblem of the Georgian SSR is the Emblem of the Georgian SSR.
Article 160. The state flag of the Georgian SSR is the flag of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia.
(…)
X. Operation of the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR and the rule for its amendment
Article 162. All of the laws of the Abkhaz ASSR and other acts of the state organs shall be based on and in pursuance to the Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR.
Article 163. The Constitution of the Abkhaz ASSR may be amended only by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR adopted by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the vote’s casts of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR.
6 June 1978
(The Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia (Basic Law), Sukhumi, 1978, p. 3-41/in Georgia)
LAW OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR of 21 Decem-
ber 1978.
General provisions
Article 1. The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, i.e. the government of the Georgian SSR, is the highest executive and administrative body of state authority of the Georgian SSR.
Article 3. The council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR Shall:
ensure observance of the Constitutions of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, the laws of the USSR and other decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, the laws of the Georgina SSR and other decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, execute the decrees and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the USSR;
support the implementation of the jurisdiction of the USSR on the territory of the Georgian SSR, execute the decisions of the organs supreme state authority and administration of the USSR.
(…)
Article 4. The rule of forming of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR. Composition of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
The Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall form the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR consisting of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, the First Deputy of the Chairman and Vice-chairmen, the ministers of the Georgian SSR, the Chairmen of the state committees of the Georgina SSR.
The Chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara shall be ex officio members of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
(…)
II. The competence of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR
Article 6. …
The Council of ministers of the Georgian SSR, when necessary, may render the right on deciding the certain matters under its competence to the Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz and Adjarian ASSR, the executive committee of Soviets of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast district and city executive committees of the soviets of People’s Deputies (the cities of republican subordination) and other organs of state administration subordinate to it.
Article 19. Relation of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR with the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of ministers of Adjarian ASSR.
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall direct and exercise control over the work of the Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of the Adjarian ASSR
The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of Adjarian ASSR shall participate in decision-making of the matters under the jurisdiction of the Georgian SSR.
The Council of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Council of Ministers of the Adjarian ASSR shall submit the proposals to the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR on the matters that are subject of decision of the Government of the Georgian SSR.
For the purpose of execution of the plans of social and economic development, as well as of the All-Union and republican programs, the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall secure the necessary coordination between the Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR, and the Ministries and state committees of the Georgian SSR and subordinate organs.
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, within the limits of its competence, has the right to suspend execution of the orders and decisions of the Councils of Ministers of the Abkhaz ASSR and Adjarian ASSR.
Article 20. Relation of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR with the executive committees of the Local Soviets of the people’s Deputies.
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, within the limits of its competence, has the right to revoke the decisions and ordinances of the Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and executive committees of the district and city (republican subordination) Soviets of People’s Deputies.
The Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR shall approve the Regulations of the Departments and Offices of the local soviets of the people’s Deputies.
(…)
21 December 1978
(The Book of Georgian Laws; vol. I, p. 233-251)
1979
LAW OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on Election of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR of
15 June 1979
(…)
Article 6. The Deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall be elected according to the electoral districts. One deputy shall be elected from each electoral district.
Article 7. The electoral commissions shall organize the elections; the electoral commissions shall be formed from the representatives of public organizations, labour collectives and military units nominated at the meetings of the said entities.
(…)
Article 22. The electoral Commissions of the elections of Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
The following electoral commissions shall be formed for holding the elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR:
The Central Electoral Commission of the Elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR;
The District Electoral Commissions of the Elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR;
The Precinct Electoral Commissions.
Article 24. Forming of the Central Electoral Commission of the Elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
The Central Electoral Commission of the Elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall consist of the Chairman of the Commission, Vice-Chairman and 14 members. The composition of the Commission shall be approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR not later than the fifth day after fixing the day of elections.
Article 25. Forming of the District Electoral Commissions of the elections of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR
The District Electoral Commission shall be formed in each electoral District consisting of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, a secretary and 10 members.
The composition of the District Commission shall be approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR accordingly, and the Executive Committee of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast not later than the tenth day after fixing the day of elections.
Article 26. Forming of the precinct electoral Commissions
The Precinct electoral Commission consists of the Chairman of the Commissions, Vice-Chairman, a Secretary and 4-16 members, and in the precincts having less than 100 voters – Chairman, Secretary and 1-3 members. The composition of the commission shall be approved by district, city, or city district soviet of People’s Deputies respectively not later than the thirtieth day after fixing the day of elections.
15 June 1979
(The book of laws of the Georgian SSR, vol. I, p. 119-138)
LAW OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on Elections of Local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the
Georgian SSR of 15 June 1979
(…)
Article 1. The basis of the Electoral System
In accordance with the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the Deputies to all local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR – of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, Districts, Cities, city districts, settlements and villages – shall be elected on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
(…)
Article 12. Holding the elections of the Local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR
The elections of all local Soviets of people’s Deputies shall be held at one time and the day of elections shall be named by the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR…
Article 13. Forming the electoral Districts
The electoral districts shall be formed for holding the elections of local Soviets of People’s Deputies:
In the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South-Ossetian Autonomous oblast – 140 electoral districts
(…)
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR shall determine the number of electoral districts for the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, and for each district and city (under republican subordination) within the norms established by this Article; and for the city (under the District subordination), city district, settlement and village elections of People’s Deputies – the superior executive committee of People’s Deputies; at the same tine the number of population, territory and other local conditions shall be taken into account.
The electoral Districts shall be formed by relevant executive committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies with equal number of population.
While defining the boundaries of the electoral district, the administrative-territorial division and other conditions shall be taken into account.
(…)
Article 22. The electoral commissions for the elections of the local soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR
For holding the elections of the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South-Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, the District, City, City-District, settlement and village Soviets of people’s deputies, the electoral commissions shall be formed:
the District electoral commission of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
(…)
Article 24. Forming of oblast, district, City, City-District, settlement and village electoral commissions
The Electoral Commission of the elections of the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South-Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall consist of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, a secretary and 12 members.
(…)
Article 25. Forming of District Electoral Commissions
The District Electoral Commission shall be formed for the elections of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South-Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, at each electoral district of elections of the district, city, city-district Soviets of people’s Deputies consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, a secretary and 4-8 members. The composition of the Commission shall be approved by the respective executive committee of the Soviet of people’s deputies not later than the fifteenth day after fixing the day of election.
(…)
15 June 1979
(The Book of Laws of the Georgian SSR, vol. I, p. 139-160)
1980
LAW OF THE SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF GEORGIAN on the Autonomous Oblast
of South Ossetia
Chapter I
General Provisions
Article 1. The Autonomous Oblast
The Autonomous Oblast is a form of soviet autonomy.
The Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia is included in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on the basis of the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR.
The organs of state authority and the organs of state administration of the Georgian SSR shall secure the comprehensive cultural and economic development of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 2. The legislation of the USSR and the Georgian SSR on the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
In accordance to the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the legal status of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be determined by this Law and other legal acts of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
Article 3. The Administrative-territorial arrangement of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
The territory of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia may not be altered without consent of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast.
The Following districts are included in the Autonomous Oblast: Java, Znauri, Leningori, Tskhinvali, the City of Tskhinvali of oblast subordination and other residential areas.
The alteration of boundaries of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be carried out in conformity to the rules established by law.
Creation of districts and cities, settlements and residential areas, as well as their abolishment, renaming and naming, determination of district boundaries and their alteration shall be carried out in conformity to the rules established by the law of the Georgian SSR.
The issues relating to the administrative-territorial arrangement of the Autonomous Oblast shall be decided with respect of the relevant organs of state authority of the autonomous oblast.
Article 4. Representation of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
In accordance with Article 110 of the Constitution of the USSR, five deputies shall be elected to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
Article 5. Participation of residents of the Autonomous oblast in elections of the Soviets of People’s Deputies.
The citizens residing in the Autonomous oblast participate in the elections of the Supreme Soviet of People’s Deputies of the USSR, Supreme Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR and Local Soviets of People’s Deputies in accordance with the legal acts of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 6. In accordance to the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, citizens residing in the Autonomous Oblast are equal without distinction of origin, social or property status, race or nationality, sex, education, language, attitude to religion, type and nature of occupation, or other status and shall have the equal right to the economic, political, social and cultural life; they also shall have the right to free application of the mother tongue and other languages of the peoples of the USSR.
Article 7. The right of direct interrelations between the organs of state authority and state administration of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and of the Georgian SSR.
Article 8. The Plan of Social and Economic Development of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
The Plan of Social and Economic development of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia is a constituent part of the Plan of Social and Economic Development for the Autonomous Oblast of the Georgian SSR.
The major indicators of the Plan of Social-Economic Development of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast are singled out in a separate line of the Plan of Economic-Social Development of the Georgian SSR.
The Plan of Economic and Social Development of the Autonomous oblast shall secure the comprehensive economic and social development of the autonomous Oblast.
Article 9. The Budget of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
The budget of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia is a part of the budget of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia.
The Budget of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia is singled out in a separate line in the Budget of the Georgian SSR.
The part of profit of enterprises and organizations of republican subordination that are located on the territory of the oblast Soviets shall be transferred to the budget of the Autonomous Oblast; the amount of transfers and the rules shall be established by the legislation of the Georgian SSR.
The enterprises and organizations of All-Union subordination also take part in forming the revenue part of the budget of the Autonomous oblast. The forms and methods of such participation shall be determined by the legislation of the USSR.
Chapter II
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast
of South Ossetia The major principles of forming and activity of the
Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
Article 10. The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast as the organ of state authority.
In accordance with the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast is the organ of state authority in the autonomous oblast.
Article 11. The jurisdiction of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
The major principles of organization and activity of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and its jurisdiction is determined by the law of the USSR “on Jurisdiction of Soviets of people’s Deputies of Regions and Oblasts”, this law and other legal acts of the Georgian SSR.
The Oblast Soviet shall deal with all matters of local significance in accordance with the interest of the citizens residing on the territory under its jurisdiction with respect of specifics of the autonomous oblast and other traits, implement decisions of higher bodies of state authority, guide the work of lower Soviets of people’s Deputies, take part in decision-making of matters of Republican and All-Union significance, and submit proposals concerning them.
The Soviet of people’s deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia shall form the oblast organs of state administration.
Article 12. The procedure of election of the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia.
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be elected on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
The rules for conducting the elections are determined by the law of the Georgian SSR on Elections of Local Soviets of people’s Deputies.
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Article 14. Direction of the state, economic and social-cultural development by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall direct on its territory execution of plans of the state, economic and social development, the budget and submit the report on its implementation, exercise general guidance over state bodies, enterprises, organizations and collective farms, facilitate the strengthening of state security, state and labour discipline, public order and protection of rights of citizens.
The enterprises, organizations and agencies, providing the service to the population of the oblast, shall be under subordination of the Autonomous Oblast. The rules of subordination of the mentioned enterprises, organizations and agencies shall be established by the All-Union legislation and the laws of the Georgian SSR.
Article 15. Securing the comprehensive economic and social development by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia on its territory; relation with the enterprises and organizations under higher subordination.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall ensure comprehensive, all-round economic and social development of its area, exercise control over the activity of enterprises, institutions and organizations of All-Union or Republican subordination, coordinate and supervise administration of land-resources, environment protection, construction, labour resources, production of consumer goods. The Soviet of People’s Deputies shall hear regular reports from the heads of enterprises and institutions, take decisions on them and if necessary, submit the relevant proposals to the highest organs of state authority. The proposals shall be considered and the results communicated to the Soviet.
The Ministries of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR, the state committees and agencies shall secure submission of indicators, plans and projects, except of plans of military production to the Oblast Soviet, take into account the conclusions of the this Soviet wile elaborating and approving the development plans of branches of the Public Economy on its territory.
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Organization of the Activity of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
The Session of the Soviet of People’s deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia
Article 16. Guidance of the activity of lower Soviets by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall direct activity of the lower Soviets of People’s Deputies in execution of decisions of higher organs of state authority, implementation of plans of economic and social development, as well as of the All-Union, Republican, regional and Interagency programs of comprehensive development in conformity to the legislation; the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall learn and disseminate the experience of Soviets, provide officials with training and re-education activity and elaborate effective forms and methods for raising their qualification.
The Oblast Soviet shall hear the reports and information from the lower Soviets regarding their activity; it shall have the right to revoke the acts of subordinate Soviets if they run counter to the legislation.
2. Jurisdiction of the Soviet of People’s
Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
Article 17. Jurisdiction in the field of planning, material-technical supply, accounting and reporting.
The jurisdiction of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall cover:
1) Endorsement of current and prospective plans of economic and social development, organization of and control over the implementation of those plans, approval of reports on their execution; respect the requests of constituency while elaborating the current and prospective action plans, as well as of working collectives and public organizations; take measures for improving the planning works for the purpose of rational development of the economic branches; increase the effectiveness of production, acceleration of scientific and technical progress and improvement of the production quality;
2) Approval of the summarized close in the plan of economic and social development with respect of improving the working conditions, qualification and professionalism, education and cultural level, housing, health-care and other measures aimed at improving the level of life of employees;
3) Consideration of plans of organizations of All-Union and Republican subordination within the limit of its jurisdiction; submission of proposals, where necessary, to the relevant higher organs of state authority, participation in discussion of proposals; draft and approve the current and prospective plans of constructing materials, local consumer goods, communal service and cultural-housing construction, and control the implementation of the said plans.
4) Approval of the issues of location, development and specialization of enterprises, organizations and institutions of Oblast subordination and take measures for developing their material-technical basis.
5) Communication to the District and City (under the oblast subordination) Soviets the information regarding the draft-plans and approved plans of enterprises, organizations and institutions located in the area under its jurisdiction;
6) Participation in drafting the regional and other programs with regard of developing the territorial-industrial complexes and industrial blocs in the area under its jurisdiction;
7) Submission to the relevant Ministries, State Committees and Agencies of the USSR and the Georgian SSR proposals on production of consumer goods at the enterprises under their jurisdictions (the Oblast Soviet shall be informed on the results of consideration of its proposals not later than within a month); drafting the conclusions for All-Union Ministries and the Ministries of the Georgian SSR on organization of producing of additional consumer goods outside of planned items at the enterprises under its subordination;
8) Elaboration of estimates of labour resources, local constructing materials and fuel, as well as of land resources and other estimates necessary for planning the economic and social development of the Oblast;
9) Reorganize and abolish the enterprises, organizations and institutions of oblast subordination in compliance to the rules established by law; where necessary, submit the proposals on reorganization or abolishment of the enterprises and organizations under higher subordination.;
10) Direction of organizations of oblast subordination dealing with supply and trade activity; arrangement of material-technical supply of enterprises of oblast subordination, as well as realization of produced goods;
11) Direction of accounting, reporting and statistic works at the enterprises, organizations and institutions under the oblast subordination; facilitation to the statistical entities; implementation of centralization of accounting works and introduction of progressive methods in those works; safeguarding the rules and procedures of drafting and delivering the reporting data, and its terms.
Article 18. Jurisdiction in the field of budget and finance.
Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia:
1) Approves the total sum of revenues and expenditures of the budget of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, specifies the major sources of income and assignments for local economy and for financing the social-cultural measures and maintaining the state and administrative organs of the autonomous oblast; while drafting the budget takes into account the requests of the constituency;
2) Approves the budget of the oblast, and the amount of cash-flow in pursuance to the oblast budget; determines the quarterly allocation of revenues and expenditures of the Oblast;
3) Approves the incomes and expenditures between the Oblast budget and the budgets of districts and cities of oblast subordination;
4) Determines the income and expenditure parts of the budgets for each district and city, approves the amount of transfers from state taxes and revenues to the budget of cities of oblast subordination;
5) Coordinates the implementation of the oblast budget; exercises control over implementation of budgets of cities under oblast subordination, protection of financial discipline, execution of industrial-financial plans of enterprises, associations and organizations with respect of effective usage of labour and financial resources; examines the results of financial-economic activity of the departments and offices of the Executive Committee, enterprises and organizations; takes measures for searching the internal economic reserves;
6) Uses the additional sum of income and savings for development of local economy and financing of social and cultural events, including the investments for renovation of premises of Executive Committee, its departments and divisions and of the Notary Office, also for purchasing the equipment and facilities for them, for building the premises for village and settlement executive committees, purchasing of transportation means and renovation of existing offices (removal of the said resources from the oblast budget, except of those left due to the non-fulfillment of investment plans and the plans of development of the social-cultural institutions, is inadmissible);
7) In the course of execution of the budget and where necessary, redistributes the resources of the oblast budget among the economic branches, departments and divisions of the executive committee, and also within the approved fund of wages;
8) Approves the Report on implementation of the Oblast budget;
9) Takes measures for strengthening material-financial basis of the lower Soviets and Executive Committee;
10) Creates the fund in the oblast budget for unforeseen expenses;
11) Determines the rules for providing the loans for covering the cash deficit to the budgets of cities under district and oblast subordination, and defines the rules for recovering of such loans;
12) In case of necessity and in pursuance to the rules established by law renders the pecuniary aid to the citizens who have got the damage from natural calamities or other accidents;
13) On the exceptional basis writes off bad debts from certain borrowers who got the loan for construction of individual houses from the State Bank of the USSR and the Construction Bank of the USSR upon the recommendation of the district or city Soviets of People’s Deputies;
14) Directs the works for calculation and collection of state and local taxes and duties; in conformity to the legislation extends the term of covering the income tax by the collective farms having got the damage due to the natural disasters, in case of necessity exercises a partial or full exemption from taxes at the expense of relevant budget; on the basis of average tax-rate on agriculture determines the tax-rates for certain districts and settlements; where necessary may reduce the rates and introduce the benefits on the local taxes and duties to the certain objects or the groups of tax-payers, decides other issues of taxes and duties under its jurisdiction;
15) Examines the quarterly cash-plans of the office of the State Bank of the USSR in districts and cities under the Oblast subordination, takes measures for execution of those plans; approves the long-term loan plans of the Oblast aimed at developing the collective farms, economic enterprises (organizations) in the rural settlements, construction of cooperative and individual houses; exercises the control over efficient and proper application of credits and timely recovery of the long-term credits; redistributes the long-term loans between the districts and cities under the Oblast subordination within the scope of total amount determined in the plans of long-term crediting for each group of long-term debtors;
16) Exercises control over timely transfer of assessments of collective farms to the centralized Union Fund of social security of the farmers and to the centralized Union Fund of social insurance of the farmers;
17) Decides the issues relating to transferring the premises, transportation means and other property from one state organization, institutions or enterprise to other organizations, institutions or enterprises, as well as of collective farms, economic organizations and other institutions;
18) Issues the permission to the enterprises and organizations under the local subordination for purchasing the premises and facilities from the cooperative or other public organizations within the limits of capital assignments;
19) Directs the work of the state saving-banks, coordinates the allocation of the network of saving-banks on the territory of the oblast; directs the work of the local insurance agencies;
20) Administers and directs the works of internal financial audit.
Article 19. Jurisdiction in price-policy
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) Takes measures on the territory of the Autonomous oblast for implementation of uniformed price-policy and exercises control over the proper determination and application of prices, tariffs, extra-charges and allowances by the enterprises and organizations located on the territory of the Oblast; takes necessary measures for effective state and public control in the field of price-policy, as well as for prevention of violation of price-discipline;
2) In pursuance to the legislation decides the issues of introduction of prices and tariffs; within its competence takes measures for development of price and tariff system, also for eradication of plurality of prices on the similar items and tariffs for the similar services.
Article 20. Jurisdiction in the field of Industry
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) Administers the enterprises and amalgamates, secures implementation of financial plans, controls the application of basic and current assets, quality of the production; approves the results of financial-economic activity, and the distribution of the profit; takes measures for application in industry the new and progressive technologies, and for effective use of equipments, facilities and materials; creates the fund for development of the local industry in conformity to the legislation.
2) Distributes the products of local industrial enterprises and amalgamates made of local materials, as well as of waste products and raw materials;
3) Directs the development of public goods; coordinates and controls their production at every enterprises located on the territory of the Autonomous oblast; takes measures for increasing the level of production, enlargement the range of goods and for improving the quality of goods; organizes production of building materials on the bases of local raw materials through application of production waste at the disposal of the oblast;
4) Assists the enterprises and organizations located on the territory of the Oblast and subordinate to higher state organs in rational application of productive capacity, materials, labour and financial resources, improving the social and cultural level of workers and servants;
5) Finds the reserves of material resources for additional enlargement of the production of public goods;
6) Assists in developing the handicraft production; takes measures for strengthening the material and technical bases for handicraft production.
Article 21. Jurisdiction in the field of construction, town-planning and Architecture.
The Soviet of Peoples Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) Directs the works on town-planning, architecture and compound-construction; develops the construction works and building of premises, as well as the application of type designs and prefabricated elements, industrial methods of construction, local building materials, effective use of investments, development of material-technical base of construction; takes measures for: reducing the price, increase of effectiveness and quality, reducing the term of construction, application in construction of achievements of sciences and technologies and progressive and const-effective methods of planning and building, engineering, modern amenities and gardening;
2) In pursuance to the established rules approves or coordinates the projects and schemes of the district planning, projects of country-side zones, general plans and detailed projects of town-planning and other settlements, introduction of new construction on the territory of the oblast, extension and reconstruction of industrial, transport and other objects;
3) Exercises control over constructions carried out on the territory of the Oblast, observes the terms and quality of building and installation works; safeguards the proper application of lands under construction of premises irrespective of their subordination; prohibits or terminates construction carried out with the breach of legislation; applies other sanctions, established by law, in the event of low-grade construction of civil objects, production of poor materials and goods not meeting the standard and technical requirement;
4) Directs the building and repairing organizations under oblast subordination; observes implementation of financial-economic plans; approves the projects and titular lists of construction of the objects under oblast subordination within the limits of estimate established by law; upon the consent of enterprises, organizations, institutions and collective farms decides the issues on joint usage of resources assigned for housing, utility, road construction, building of cultural, educational, Health-care and sport facilities, offices for trade and public catering; determines the customers at those types of construction.
Article 22. Jurisdiction in the field of Agriculture and Food Production
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) Directs the agriculture and other branches of agriculture complex; takes measures for developing of material-technical basis, increase of production and improvement of the quality of agriculture products, improvement of housing and cultural conditions for the residents of rural area;
2) Approves the tasks on state purchasing of agriculture products; organizes implementation of plans by agrarian enterprises and organizations; secures the storage of agriculture products;
3) Takes measures for application of achievements of sciences and technologies as well as the progressive methods of agriculture production to the collective farms and other agrarian enterprises and organizations aimed at effective use and storage of agriculture machines, transport, fuel, fertilizers, pesticides and other material-technical resources;
4) Exercises control over the food processing organizations; observes the conditions of storage, processing and realization of agriculture products and raw materials;
5) Takes part in decision-making relating to the process of determination or changing of major direction of collective farms and other agrarian enterprises and organizations;
6) Directs the application of melioration, secure the effective exploitation of meliorating facilities;
7) Exercises control over observance of Regulations of Collective Farms, democratic basis of management of collective farms and reconciliation of private and public interests in the collective farms;
8) Decides the issues of forming the inter-economic organizations in agrarian sector; coordinates their activity; decides the issues of their reorganization and liquidation;
9) Directs the veterinary works; introduces quarantine where necessary and secures the observance of quarantine and other veterinary and sanitary rules;
10) Takes necessary measures for fighting against vermin and weeds; introduces and removes the quarantine on plants; exercises control over observance of rules of technical safety while applying the chemical means of plant-protection;
11) Elaborates and implements the measures aimed at increasing the agriculture production at the facilitating farms of enterprises, organizations and institutions, as well as at the private facilitating farms of peasants, workers and other citizens aimed at further developing the horticulture and trucking;
Article 23. Jurisdiction in the filed of environment protection and rational application of natural resources
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) Exercises management and state control in usage and protection of land on the territory of the Autonomous oblast; considers and approves the reports on condition and quality of the land;
2) Settles the disputes regarding the distribution of lots within the limits established by the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR; provides conclusions on rendering or seizing of land holdings exercised upon decision of higher organs;
4) Changes the boundaries and sizes of lands under collective farms and other agrarian enterprises, organizations and institutions for the purpose of strengthening or consolidation of aforementioned entities; approves the decisions of meetings of farmers and representatives on enlarging the spaces for facilitating farming at the expense of lands under public usage; gives permission for extending such spaces to the agrarian enterprises, organizations and institutions;
4) Exercises control over effective use of land and its fertility; takes measures against soil erosion, salinization, swamping and other processes worsening the soil condition;
5) Gives permission on carrying out the geologic, geodesic and other research works over all lands in pursuance the rules established by law without seizing the lands from the land-users;
6) Exercises the state management and state control in the field of water, forest, soil and air protection, as well as of fauna on the territory of the Autonomous oblast; settles the disputes on usage of water; takes part in planning of forest development, application of forest resources and timber; takes measures for protection of forests and fighting against forest-fires; exercises control over execution of measures for rehabilitation of deteriorated bowels and for re-cultivation of lands;
7) Secures elaboration and implementation of measures for environment protection, and of rational usage, protection and restoration of natural resources; exercises control over the hunting and fishing; directs the work of Associations of Environment Protection, Hunters’ and Fishermen’s.
Article 24. Jurisdiction in the field of road maintenance
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) secures the development of the road-network, its maintenance and material-technical supply for traffic regulation on the territory of the Autonomous oblast, building of premises and facilities for renovation of the roads;
2) directs the building, repair-works, maintenance and exploitation of motor roads of oblast and local importance; facilitates the building, maintenance and exploitation of motor roads of all-Union and republican importance; exercises control over building, renovation and maintaining the motor roads;
3) takes measures for rational usage of labour resources, equipment and facilities for building, renovating and maintaining of the roads;
4) coordinated involvement of collective farms, sovkhozs, industrial and transport enterprises and other organization in the process of building, reconstruction, renovation and maintenance of the local roads in pursuance of the rules established by law;
5) secures development of capacity of enterprises and organizations under oblast subordination producing materials for road construction, renovation and maintenance;
6) takes part in decision-making on the issues relating to the motor roads and roads of oblast significance; approves the enumeration of roads of local significance upon the consent of the relevant higher bodies.
Article 25. Jurisdiction in the sphere of transport and communications
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) directs the work of transport enterprises and organizations of Oblast significance;
2) exercises control over the activity of the transport enterprises and organizations of public service under higher subordination; facilitates them in fulfilling the plans of freight traffic;
3) takes measures for concentration of motor transport at the large transport enterprises;
4) organizes the registration of motor cars and other vehicles at the enterprises, organizations and under ownership of citizens; provides supervision over the technical condition of those vehicles; exercises control over the proper usage of motor cars owned by the citizens.
5) takes measures for securing the safe traffic on the roads;
6) directs the work of communication enterprises and organizations under oblast jurisdiction, takes measures for improving the public service at the communication enterprises, provides assistance for improving the telephone, telegraph and postal communication, for development of the radio and TV network, renovation and protection of the communication lines.
Article 26. Jurisdiction in the field of housing, communal and modern services.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) directs the works of enterprises, institutions and organizations dealing with housing, communal and modern utilities under the oblast subordination; takes measures for strengthening their material-technical base; secures the complex development of organizations of housing and communal services;
2) secures the maintenance, proper exploitation, general and current renovation of housing fund under the jurisdiction of the local Soviets;
3) exercises control over the condition and exploitation of housing fund, communal enterprises and facilities, houses and premises under the personal ownership of citizens; takes measures for shifting the housing funds under agency subordination within the jurisdiction of the local Soviets;
4) exercises control over the registration of citizens not having the sufficient lodging space;
5) coordinates the works for electrification, water supply, gas supply, heating and sewerage system of urban and rural areas and other settlements; takes measures for securing the communal services and providing the fuel to the population; exercises control over the construction and exploitation of the water purification facilities;
6) takes measures for improving the condition of modern utilities and sanitary system of residential areas, maintaining and improving the gardens;
7) coordinates involvement of enterprises, institutions and organizations under higher subordination in municipal improvements of residential areas;
8) issues permission, in pursuance to the legislation, to demolish the dwellings owned by the citizens under the right to the private property for the purpose of providing the land plots for the state and public needs;
9) issues permission for renovating the houses at the expense of funds assigned for the major repairs;
10) takes measure for maintaining the cemeteries, communal graves and other burial places;
Article 27. Jurisdiction in the sphere of trade and public catering
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) coordinates the state and cooperative trade, public catering on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast, as well as the works of trade enterprises and organizations under Oblast subordination; takes measures for strengthening of material-technical basis of trade enterprises and public-food organizations; provides refrigerating equipment and other facilities to those organizations;
2) approves the plans of commodity turnover of the retail trade enterprises and organizations under the oblast subordination; distributes the market funds of consumer goods between the organizations of state trade and consumers’ cooperation;
3) coordinates and exercises control over the works of the trade enterprises and organizations, as well as of public catering establishments under higher subordination;
4) takes measures for involving additional local resources of food and industrial production;
5) takes measures for investigation of demand on the consumer goods; facilitates in concluding the agreements between the enterprises and organizations of trade and public catering; takes measures for development of the network of trade and public catering; promotes application of progressive forms of trade and services;
6) exercises control over the agriculture products produced by the consumers’ cooperation on the basis of commissioning;
7) exercises control over observance of the Statute of oblast Union of Consumers’ Associations and of democratic foundations of management of Consumers’ Cooperation;
8) takes measures for development of trade of collective farms at the farmers’ market;
9) exercises control over the observance of trade and sanitary rules at the trade organizations, as well as at the institutions of public food and the farmers’ markets.
Article 28. Jurisdiction in the sphere of consumer services
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) directs the consumer service of the population at the enterprises and organizations under oblast subordination dealing with consumer service; takes measures for strengthening of material-technical basis and effective application of capacities of the enterprises working in the field of consumer service;
2) secures the execution of industrial-financial plans by consumer service
enterprises and organizations under Oblast subordination; exercises control over appropriation of basic assets; approves the results of financial-economic activity and distribution of profits in accordance with the established rules;
3) approves the plans of realization of consumer services by the enterprises and organizations under Oblast subordination, also the tasks of consumer service to the population provided by the enterprises and organizations of All-Union and Republican subordination.
4) coordinates and exercises control over the works of consumer service enterprises under higher subordination;
5) secures more comprehensive supply of consumer services; takes measures for specialization and strengthening of production and application of wider types of consumer services, improvement of quality and raising the culture of service; exercises control over the regime of activity of the consumer service enterprises and offices;
6) promotes development of patronage and cooperation system between the industrial and consumer service enterprises; facilitates to the enterprises, collective farms and Sovkhozs in effective application of their capacities and enlargement of the network of consumer services.
Article 29. Jurisdiction in the field of education and sciences
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) directs the matters of public education, pre-school and non-school education, as well as education of children at the boarding schools, children’s home and special schools; secures the implementation of general compulsory education at secondary schools; secures the possibility to apply the native language at schools as a language of instruction; takes measures for strengthening the links between the schools and enterprises, for improvement of vocational education; provides the registration of the school-age children;
2) secures the development of the network of schools, proper allocation of secondary schools, application of training workshops and sections of enterprises, organizations and collective farms for working education; takes measures for improving the activity of the night classes and the educational institution instructing by correspondence;
3) secures the development of the network of pre-school and out-of school education, their proper allocation; when necessary may increase a number of children at the pre-school establishment above the amount determined in the plan of economic and social development of the autonomous oblast and provides the additional funds from the budget of the Autonomous oblast;
4) exercises control over the schools of general education, pre-schools and out-of school establishments irrespective of their jurisdiction, and over the proper application of educational funds;
5) secures the strengthening of educational-material capacity of schools, boarding-schools, children’s homes, as well as of material basis for labour education;
6) takes measures for providing free text-books for the pupils of schools of general education;
7) provides free transportation for the children of rural area to school and from school, as well as to the places of labour education;
8) directs the work of guardianship and trusteeship establishments;
9) take measures for assisting the development of sciences, the works high educational and vocational institutions located on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 30. Jurisdiction in the field of Cultural-educational and Art activity
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
1) directs the cultural-educational works at the cultural-educational establishments under the Oblast subordination; takes measure for promoting the role of cultural-educational and art institutions in developing the higher political, working, moral and ethic levels; takes measures for strengthening their material-technical basis and capacity;
2) coordinates and exercises control over the activity of cultural-educational organizations and institutions, art schools and enterprises irrespective of their subordination;
3) elaborates and executes the various of measures for developing the network of cultural and art establishments of the autonomous oblast, the system of cultural service to the population and the network of cultural establishment at the rural areas; takes measures for developing of national culture, art and literature;
4) directs the work of TV and Radio broadcasting; organizes the cinema service for the population; takes measures for developing of theatrical, musical, dancing and art amateur establishments and other forms of folk amateur art activities; organizes the festivals, competitions, exhibitions and other arrangements in the field of culture and art;
5) directs the works for introducing the civil rites in the life of Soviet citizens;
6) exercises state management and state control in the field of protection of historical and cultural monuments;
7) directs the publishing activity at the enterprises and organizations under the oblast subordination;
8) renders the assistance to the Creative Unions and organizations, the Society “Tsodna” of Georgian SSR.
Article 31. Jurisdiction in the field of Healthcare.
The Soviet of People’ Deputies of the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia:
9) directs the affairs of healthcare at the medical organizations and institutions under the subordination of the autonomous Oblast; takes measures for strengthening their material-technical basis and institutional capacity; takes measures for developing the network of the medical institutions and for proper allocation of such organizations; secures the emergency service to the population;
10) exercises control over the medical institutions under higher subordination;
11) coordinates and exercises control over the activity of all enterprises, institutions and organizations in health protection and sanitary-economic condition of the population, prevention of infection diseases; in case of threat of spreading the contagious diseases introduces the special regime of labour, education, transportation and freightage in pursuance to the established rules aimed at preventing from and liquidating the disease;
12) secures the medicine-supply and takes medical-preventive measures for the population;
13) organizes the work for protecting the mothers and children, improving the working and life conditions of women, implementing the recreating measures for children and juveniles;
14) coordinates and exercises control over the measures for preventing and reducing the noise at the residential and public premises, in the cities and other residential areas;
15) exercises state control over the recreation of environment, sanitary protection of water reservoirs, soil and air;
16) takes part in decision-making with regard of rendering the status of Resort Area to the territories, determination of boundaries of sanitary protection of the resorts and setting the regime of resort activities;
17) secures development of the zones of rest of workers; determines such zones and exercises control over proper application of resorts;
18) coordinates the activity of the oblast organization of the Red Cross of Georgia.
Article 32. Jurisdiction in the field of physical training and sport.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia:
1) directs the affairs of physical training and sport;
2) secures the development of the network of sporting facilities and premises on the territory of the autonomous oblast; develops the network of gymnasiums for physical training of population; takes measures for strengthening of material-technical basis of physical training and sport;
3) coordinates the holding of sporting events in the oblast;
4) directs activity of voluntary sporting associations.
Article 33. Jurisdiction in the field of labour, application of labour resources and training of human resources.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) provides registration and regulation of labour resources on the territory of the Autonomous oblast; takes measures for rational application of labour resources and for development of the system of employment; develops the system of public awareness with regard of demand in labour resources at the enterprises, organizations and institutions; takes measures for lowering the level of fluctuation movement of personnel at the enterprises, organizations and institutions located on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast;
2) exercises control over the observance of labour law, rules of labour protection and accident prevention;
3) takes part in elaboration of labour plans together with the Ministries, State Committees and Agencies;
4) approves the plans of organized staffing, resettlement, employment of school-leavers at the enterprises, organizations and institutions irrespective of their subordination;
5) takes measure, together with the trade unions and other public organizations for developing of Socialist Emulation on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast; approves the conditions and summarizes the result of the Socialist Emulation together with the oblast authorities;
6) directs the activity of training and retraining of workers and servants at the enterprises, organizations and institutions under the oblast subordination; exercises control over the training courses at the enterprises, organizations and institutions under higher subordination;
7) designs the plans of employment for the institutions of education, culture and healthcare of the Autonomous oblast; secures the proper allocation of qualified staff;
8) organizes the works for providing the necessary working and life conditions to the servants working at the institutions of education, culture, healthcare and social protection; exercises control over proper implementation of plans on providing these servants with housing conditions and privileges established by law;
9) takes measures for applying the scientific methods of work, sharing of progressive experience, increasing the labour effectiveness and strengthening of labour discipline;
10) takes measures for promoting the invention and rationalization activities, application of modern technologies and progressive methods at the enterprises; supports activity of scientific-technical societies.
Article 34. Jurisdiction in the field of Social Protection
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) directs the affairs of social protection at the enterprises and organizations of social protection under the oblast subordination;
2) exercises control over the works of institutions and agencies dealing with the issues of social protection and located on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast;
3) coordinates the timely and proper assignment and payment of pensions and allowances; exercises control over observance of legislation on privileges of the citizens;
4) institutes the personal pensions of local significance; files the motions on providing the personal pensions of republican and All-Union significance in pursuance of the rules established by law;
5) forms the oblast Council of Social protection for farmers and exercises control over its activity;
6) coordinates the work for employment of retired and disable citizens, as well as of members of families of military servicemen, perished soldiers and partisans; provides the job places for using the labour of disable and retired citizens;
8) decides the issues relating to the employment of citizens at the institutions of social protection; takes measures for developing the network of agencies dealing with the matters of social protection; provides support for strengthening of material basis and capacity of the institutions working in the field of social protection;
8) directs the works of the organs of forensic-labour medicine;
9) directs and controls the activity of associations of blinds and deaf; develops the training and manufacturing establishments for these societies.
Article 35. Jurisdiction in the field of administration of Socialist justice, protection of state and public order, rights of citizens and people’s control.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
1) secures observance of laws of the USSR and the Georgian SSR, other acts issued by the higher organs of state authority and state administration; secures the maintenance of state and public order, socialist property, rights and legal interests of citizens, enterprises, institutions and organizations;
2) takes measures for improving the legal works; directs this works at the enterprises, institutions and organizations under oblast subordination; organizes the work for legal consultations and interpretation of laws at the enterprises, organizations and institutions;
3) takes measures for preventing the crime; analysis the crime situation on the territory of the Autonomous oblast;
4) when necessary, revokes the acts issued by the heads of subordinate enterprises and organizations;
5) suspends the acts, which run counter to the legislation and are issued by the heads of enterprise, institutions and organizations on the matters of land-management, water-management, environment protection, construction, housing and communal economy, application of labour resources, production of public goods, protection of historical monuments, and informs the relevant higher organs about such decision;
6) secures the timely and proper consideration of proposals, applications and complaints of citizens; exercises control over implementation of such works at the Departments and Divisions of the Executive Committee of the oblast, at the enterprises, organizations and institutions located on the territory of the Autonomous Oblast; receives the elucidative notes on these issues from the heads of aforementioned entities;
7) exercises administrative measures in case of breach of order in pursuance to the procedure established by law;
8) forms the Committee of People’s Control of the Autonomous oblast and changes its composition; directs the activity of the Committee of people’s Control of the Autonomous oblast; considers the reports on its work; revokes the decisions of the Committee of People’s Control if they run counter to the relevant legislation;
9) elects the court of the autonomous oblast and changes its composition; considers the reports on the work of the court of Autonomous oblast;
10) directs the work of State Arbitration and Notary offices; exercises general administration of the Bar Council; facilitates the organs of Procuracy in their work.
11) directs the work of law-enforcement agencies under its subordination; exercises control over the proper administration of passport regime;
12) directs the work of the organs of registration and the Oblast Archive;
13) coordinates the measures aimed at preventing the natural calamities and for liquidation of results of natural disasters; when necessary, coordinates the involvement of such works the staff of enterprises, organizations and institutions, and population;
14) coordinates the work of voluntary squads on protection of public order, amicable courts and other public organs;
15) directs the fire-preventive activities on the territory of the Autonomous oblast; coordinates the work of voluntary fire-brigades;
16) directs the activities for protecting the lives of people at the rivers, lakes and water reservoirs;
17) exercises control over the observance of legislation on religious rites.
Article 36. Jurisdiction in the field of defence
Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast:
1) secures implementation of the law of the USSR on general military obligation by all individuals and citizens, as well as by enterprises, organizations and institutions;
2) directs the work of military training of civilians on the territory of the Autonomous oblast;
3) exercises control over the observance of legislation on privileges and aids determined for participants of the Great patriotic War, ex-servicemen and reserve forces, as well as the privileges and aids for families of perished soldiers and partisans;
4) takes measures for providing the reserves to the Military Forces of the USSR and for fulfilling the other tasks in the field of defence;
5) organizes the works for military-patriotic education of the population; develops the patronage links between the working collectives and military units; directs and controls the work of voluntary defence associations.
Article 37. Jurisdiction in organizing the elections
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast:
secures the implementation of necessary measures on the territory of the Autonomous oblast for preparing and holding the elections of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, local Soviets of People’s Deputies, as well as of the District (City)People’s Courts.
Article 38. Jurisdiction in institution of government award
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast considers the recommendations on awarding the citizens with the Orders and Decorations of the USSR, granting the honorific titles of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR and submits the proposals on awarding the citizens.
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, upon authorization of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and on its behalf performs the ceremony of awarding with the Orders of the USSR.
Article 39. Other jurisdiction of the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast
Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast, in addition to the jurisdiction specified for in this Law, exercises other authorities in pursuance to the legislation of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
III. Organization of the work of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast.
Session of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast
Article 40. Convocation and rule of operation of the Session
The Executive Committee of the Autonomous Oblast shall convoke the session of the People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast not less than four times a year.
The session may be convoked at the request of not less than one-third of Deputies of the oblast Soviet.
The first session of newly elected Oblast Soviet shall be convened by the oblast Executive Committee within three weeks after elections and the session shall be inaugurated by the oldest Deputy. The following session shall be open by the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Soviet.
The Executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet shall inform the Deputies and the public about the time and venue of convocation of the session, as well as of the matters in agenda two weeks prior of the session.
The session of the oblast Soviet is authorized if not less than two-thirds of Deputies are present.
The Oblast Soviet shall elect a Chairman and a Secretary from the Deputies for leading the Sessions.
Article 41. The rules of submitting the issues to be considered at the session
The Executive Committee, Standing Commissions and the Deputies of the oblast Soviet are authorized to submit the issues to be considered at the session.
Proposals to the agenda of the session may be submitted by the public organizations of the Oblast, as well as by the district and city Soviets of the People’s Deputies.
Article 42. The matters decided at the sessions
The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast is authorized to consider any issues under its jurisdiction in conformity to the legislation of the USSR and the Georgian SSR.
The following issues shall be under the sole authority of the sessions:
1) recognition of the authority of Deputies; pre-term termination of the authority of Deputies in the events prescribed by law;
2) election of the Oblast Executive Committee and alteration of its composition; formation and election of standing Commissions of the oblast Soviets and alteration of their composition;
3) consideration of reports on the activity of the executive committee and standing commissions;
4) consideration of information submitted by the Deputies on performing the duties of deputies, decisions and instructions of the Soviet and its bodies;
5) forming the divisions and department of the executive committee, appointment and dismissal of the heads of divisions and departments;
6) forming the Committee of People’s Control of the Autonomous Oblast and alteration of its composition; consideration of reports on the activity of the Committee of the People’s Control of the Autonomous oblast; revoke the decisions of the Committee of the people’s Control of the Autonomous Oblast if they run counter to the legislation;
7) forming the Commissions at the Executive Committee in conformity to the legislation;
8) election of the Oblast Court and alteration of its composition; consideration of the Report on the activity of the Oblast Court;
9) approval of current and prospective plans of economic and social development, as well as the budget of the Autonomous Oblast;
10) approval of reports on execution of current and prospective plans of economic and social development and execution of the budget of the Autonomous oblast;
11) consideration and approval of the Action Plans on implementation of mandates;
12) consideration of questions of Deputies;
13) annulment of decisions and orders of the Executive Committee of the oblast Soviet; annulment of decisions of the lower Soviets if they run counter to the legislation.
Article 43. Decisions made by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast adopts decisions within the scope of its jurisdiction established by the legislation of the USSR and the Georgian SSR; secures the implementation of decisions. The decisions made by the oblast Soviet are binding to the enterprises, institutions and organizations located on the territory of the Oblast, and to the officials and citizens.
The decisions of the Oblast Soviet shall be adopted on the basis of voting by show by majority of total number of Deputies of the Oblast Soviet; the Decision shall be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Executive Committee.
The decisions of the oblast Soviet shall be communicated to the relevant organizations, officials and public within ten days by the executive committee. Proposals and recommendations envisaged in the Decision addressed to the enterprises, institutions and organizations under higher subordination shall be considered by the heads of the said organizations; the latter shall inform about the results the Soviet or its executive committee within two weeks.
If the Heads of enterprises, institutions and organizations under higher subordination fail to execute the decision made by the Oblast Soviet, the latter is authorized to address to the relevant higher authorities with proposal on imposition of disciplinary sanctions up to removal from the office. The local Soviet or its executive Committee shall be informed about the results of consideration of its proposal within a month.
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR may revoke the Decision adopted by the Oblast Soviet if it runs counter to the law.
(…)
The Executive Committee of the Soviet of
People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast
Article 45. Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast is the executive and administrative body of the Soviet.
The executive-administrative body of the Soviet of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be the Executive Committee elected by the Soviet from among the deputies composed of: a chairman, first vice-chairman, a secretary and members. The number of members to the executive committee shall be decided by the Oblast Soviet.
The executive committee shall be directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected it to the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
The executive committee shall report on its work at least once a year to the Oblast Soviet that elected it and to meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence.
The sittings of the executive committee of the oblast Soviet shall be convened upon the necessity but not less than once a month. The sitting of the executive committee shall be deemed authorized if not less than two-thirds of its members are present.
Article 46. Jurisdiction of the executive committee
The executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall guide the state, economic and social-cultural development of its area on the basis of decisions made by the Soviet that elected it and by the higher executive and administrative bodies.
The Executive Committee shall decided matters within the powers accorded to the Soviet except those that are under the sole jurisdiction of the Session of Soviet.
The Executive Committee:
convokes the session of the Soviet and provides the preparatory works;
organizes the preliminary discussion of draft-decisions of the Soviet on the important issues at the meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence;
coordinates the work of standing commissions of the Soviet;
assists the deputies in exercising their authorities;
elaborates and submits to the Oblast Soviet the current and prospective plans of economic and social development, as well as the budget of the Autonomous Oblast; takes measures for implementation of the plans and budget; reports the Oblast Soviet on execution of plans and implementation of budget;
coordinates implementation of decisions adopted by the Soviet and higher state bodies, mandate of electors and informs the deputies and population regarding their realization.
Article 47. Performance of guidance of the divisions and departments. Relation with enterprises, organizations and institutions
The Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall guide and administer the work of divisions and departments of the executive committee, enterprises, institutions and organizations under the oblast subordination; in the period between convocation of sessions appoints and dismisses the heads of divisions and departments subject to subsequent confirmation at the session (with the consent of relevant higher body of state administration); appoints to and removes from the office leading officials of divisions and departments of the executive committee, heads of enterprises, institutions and organizations under the Oblast subordination (in conformity to the list approved by the executive committee of the oblast Soviet and upon the consent of the higher body of state administration).
The Executive Committee of the oblast Soviet may consider the matters accorded to the competence of its divisions and departments.
Article 48. Decisions and ordinances of the Executive Committee
Within its power, the Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall make decisions and issue the ordinances.
Decisions of the Executive Committee of the oblast Soviet shall be adopted by the simple majority of vote casts; it shall be signed by the chairman and the secretary of the Executive Committee. The ordinances of the Executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet shall be signed by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet is authorized to revoke decisions and ordinances issued by the executive committees of lower Soviets of People’s Deputies.
The Oblast Soviet and the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR are authorized to revoke the decisions and ordinances issued by the executive committee of the Oblast Soviet.
Article 49. Term of authority of the Executive committee
After expiration of the term of authority of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, its executive committee shall retain the authority until the newly elected Oblast Soviet has elected the executive committee.
Article 50. Structure and the staff of the Executive Committee
The Structure and the staff of the Executive Committee of the people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, its divisions and departments shall be determined on the basis of norms adopted by the Georgian SSR for staffing of the given executive committee. The number of employees shall be determined within the scope of salary fund on the basis of average wage of officials and in conformity to the salary-scheme for state officials.
(…)
Divisions and departments of the Executive Committee of the
Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Article 62. Forming of divisions and departments
Divisions and departments of the Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall be formed by the Oblast Soviet and they are subordinate to the Soviet and its executive committee, as well as to the higher body of state administration.
Divisions and departments of the Executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies shall report to the Soviet, its executive committee, relevant ministry and state committee of the Georgian SSR, as well as to the meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence.
The list of divisions and departments and the procedure for their forming shall be established by the law of the USSR and of the Georgian SSR.
Divisions and departments of the Executive Committee shall be financed from the budget or run on a self-supporting.
The Statute of divisions and departments of the executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet shall be approved by the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.
Article 63. Competence of the divisions and departments and principles of their activity
The divisions and departments of the executive Committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast shall guide the branches of state, economic and social-cultural development on the territory of the autonomous oblast within the power accorded them.
… the collegiums may be formed at the divisions and departments. The composition of collegiums shall be approved by the executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet. The decisions of collegiums, as a rule, shall be implemented under the Order issued by the divisions and departments.
Within the scope of his competence, the head of division or department of the Executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet issues the Orders on the basis and for execution of the decisions and ordinances of the Executive Committee, as well as of higher organs of state authority and state administration.
Chapter III
Other state bodies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast
Article 64. The Court of the Autonomous oblast
On the basis of Article 164 of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall elect the Court of the Autonomous Oblast.
Article 65. Judicial proceedings in the Autonomous oblast
In accordance with Article 171 of the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, judicial proceedings in the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be conducted in the language of autonomous oblast or in Georgian, or in the language of majority of the local population of given locality. Persons participating in the court proceeding, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be secured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case through the interpreter, and the rights to address the court in their own language.
Article 66. Procurator of the Autonomous Oblast
In accordance with the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitutions of the Georgian SSR, the procurator of the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be appointed by the Procurator General of the USSR.
Chapter IV
Concluding Provisions
Article 67. Adoption of and changes to the Law on the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia
In accordance of the Constitution of the USSR and the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, the Law on the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR upon submission by the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast. The changes and amendments to this Law may be introduced by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR upon proposal of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South-Ossetian Autonomous Oblast.
Article 68. Application of the authority of a legal person
The Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall have the status of a legal person.
The Executive Committee of the Oblast shall have the official seal on sample approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
Article 69. The rules of hoisting the State Flag on the premises where the sessions of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast are held and on the Office-Building of the Executive Committee of the Oblast Soviet
In accordance with the Regulations on the State Flag of the Georgian SSR, the state flag of the Georgian SSR shall be hosting during the session period on the building, in which the session of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast is held, and on the Office of the Executive Committee of the oblast Soviet – permanently.
The raising of state flag on the building of the Executive Committee, as well as of the state flag of the USSR and the state flag of the Georgian SSR on the state and public offices, enterprises, organizations and institutions shall be carried out in pursuance of the rules established by the Regulations on the state flag of the USSR and the State flag of the Georgian SSR.
12 November 1980
(The Law of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia. Tskhinvali, 1981, p. 3-67/in Georgia)
1982
REGULATIONS on the rules of setting the issues related to the Administrative-territorial
arrangement of the Georgian SSR
(approved under the Decree of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR on 17 March 1982)
I. Creation and abolishment of District, city-district, and
village Soviets and determination and alteration of their boundaries
1. The districts of republican (Georgian SSR) subordination shall be created and abolished by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Georgia upon recommendation by the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR subject to consequent approval by the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
2. The districts and city-districts of republican (Georgian SSR) subordination in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be created and abolished by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Georgia upon recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the Republic and of the motion of the executive committees of City Soviets (republican subordination).
3. The districts and city-districts in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR shall be created and abolished by the Presidiums of the Supreme Soviets of the respective Autonomous Republic upon recommendation of the relevant Council of Ministers subject of consequent approval by the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
4. The creation and abolishment of village Soviets, determination of village administrative centers and their replacement, as well as determination of their boundaries (except of Abkhaz ASSR, Adjarian ASSR and the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast) shall be decided by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR upon recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR and the relevant executive committee of city (with district division) Soviets.
5. In the Abkhaz ASSR, the Adjarian ASSR and in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, the changes to the administrative-territorial division specified for in Article 4 shall be carried out by the respective Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and Executive Committee of People’s Soviet of the Autonomous Oblast upon recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic and the Executive Committee of the People’s Soviet of the Autonomous oblast accordingly. Such decisions are subject o consequent approval by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
(…)
8. The city category, as well as the boundaries of towns (under subordination of Autonomous Republic) in the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR shall be decided by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR respectively upon recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the relevant Autonomous Republic subject to consequent approval of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
9. Determination of categories of towns, creation and abolishment of rural settlements in the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast shall be vested in the executive committee of the Soviet of People’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast upon recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Soviet of people’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblast subject to consequent approval by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
(…)
11. The status of Republican (Autonomous Republic) and Oblast subordination may be rendered to the cities that represent the economic and cultural centers with the developed industry, communal services, significant housing fund and having more than 30 000 inhabitants, and for the purpose of their economic and social development it is found reasonable to be guided by the Republican (Autonomous SSR) and oblast authorities.
In certain cases the Republican (Autonomous SSR) and oblast subordination may granted to the cities where the number of population is under 30 000 but they represent the economic and cultural centers and have the real prospective of increase in a number of inhabitants.
(…)
15. In the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the respective Autonomous Oblast shall have the right to name and rename the districts and cities, city-districts and rural settlements, and giving them the names of eminent state and public men upon recommendation of the corresponding executive committee of District and city (under subordination of the Autonomous Republic) soviets subject to consequent approval by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR; and the names of rural settlements and of the villages shall be approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR respectively.
18. Renaming of the settlements that have the post and telegraph offices and railway stations shall be carried out under preliminary informing the Ministry of Communication and the Ministry of Roads of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The presidiums of the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR, the Central Executive Committee of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast, and the executive committees of district and city Soviets (of the republican subordination /Georgian SSR/), before submitting the recommendations on renaming the residential areas having the railway stations and post and telegraph, shall agree such renaming with the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Trans-Caucasus Railway of the Georgian SSR.
(…)
22. Naming or renaming of the Collective Farms and other cooperative organizations in the districts under republican subordination (Georgian SSR), and giving the names of eminent state-men shall be carried out by the Council of ministers of the Georgian SSR, in the Autonomous Republics – by the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic, and in the Autonomous oblast by the executive committee upon the recommendation of the meetings of working collectives.
(…)
27. The administrative-territorial entities and residential areas shall be registered by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR.
(…)
30. The Orders of the Supreme Soviets of the Abkhaz ASSR and the Adjarian ASSR, the Decisions of the Executive Committee of the People’s Soviet of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast with regard of the issues relating to Articles 3,5,8,9,15 and 28 of this Regulation shall come into force after they have been published in the “Messenger of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR”.
17 March 1982
(The Book of Law of the Georgian SSR. vol. I, p. 101-107)
DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SUPREME SOVIET OF THE GEORGIAN SSR on
introduction the changes on the issues of agriculture management to the laws “on Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia” and “On District Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR”
…the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR decrees:
1. The Soviet of people’s Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous oblast and the District Soviets of People’s Deputies shall have the right to establish the oblast and district councils of agrarian-industrial amalgamate.
2. The councils of agrarian-industrial amalgamates shall be established at the sessions of the Soviets of People’s Deputies upon recommendation of the respective executive committees or the higher bodies of state administration.
3. With regard of Article 1 and Article 2 of this Decree the changes and additions shall be introduced to the following legal acts of the Georgian SSR:
1) to the law of the Georgian SSR of 12 November 1980 “On the Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia”…
Section 1 of Article 22, as amended, now reads:
‘1) Directs the Agriculture and other branches of agriculture complex, takes measures for strengthening of its material-technical basis, for increase of production and improvement of the quality, for improving the housing and cultural conditions of the residents of rural settlements’;
Article 22, as added section 11 and 12 now reads:
‘11) creates the oblast council of agrarian-industry amalgamates and changes their composition;
‘12) considers the major indicators of the development plans of enterprises and organizations included in the amalgamates’;
Article 42, as added section 51 now reads:
51) establishment of the Oblast Council of agrarian-industrial amalgamate and changing of its composition.
(…)
The Chairman of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR P. Gilashvili.
Secretary of the Presidium
of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR T. Lashkarashvili.
23 June 1982
(Messengers of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, N 6, 1982, p. 9-10)
1988
LAW OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS on changes and additions to
the Constitution (Basic Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
… The Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics decrees:
1) To introduce to the Constitution of the USSR the following changes and amendments:
Chapter 12. The system of the Soviets of People’s Deputies and the principles of their operation
Article 89. The Soviets of People’s Deputies, i.e. the Congress of the People’s Deputies of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Congresses of the People’s Deputies of the Union and Autonomous Republics, the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Regions, Territories and autonomous oblasts, and the Soviets of People’s Deputies of districts, cities, city districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a single system of bodies of state authority.
Article 101. …
The procedure for holding the elections to Soviets of people’s Deputies shall be defined by the laws of the USSR, and of Union and Autonomous Republics.
3. Chapter 15, as amended, now reads:
Chapter 15. The Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 108. The highest body of the state authority of the USSR shall be the Congress of the People’s Deputies of the USSR.
The Congress of the People’s Deputies of the USSR is empowered to deal with all matters within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The following matters shall be under the sole authority of the Congress of the People’s Deputies of the USSR:
2) taking decision on the national-state matters under jurisdiction of the USSR;
(…)
Article 109. The Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR consists of 2250 deputies elected in accordance with the following rules:
750 deputies – from the territorial electoral districts with the equal number of electors;
750 deputies – from the national-territorial electoral districts on the basis of following norms: 32 deputies from each Union Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, 5 deputies from each Autonomous oblast and one Deputy from each Autonomous Okrug.
750 deputies – from all-Union public organizations in pursuance of rules established by law on Election of People’s Deputies of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article 111. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist of two chambers: the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities having equal numbers of deputies. The two chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall have equal rights.
The Chambers shall be elected at the Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR on the basis of general voting. The Soviet of the Union shall be elected from the territorial electoral districts with respect of number of People’s Deputies of the USSR and People’s Deputies from the public organizations, as well as of the number of electors. The Soviet of nationalities shall be elected on the basis of the following representation: 11 deputies from each Union Republic, 4 deputies from each Autonomous Republic, 2 deputies from each Autonomous oblast and 1 deputy from each autonomous Okrug.
4. Article 152, 153 and 155 of Chapter 20, Courts and Arbitration, as amended, now reads:
Article 152. The judges of the Supreme Court of the USSR, the Supreme Courts of the Union and Autonomous Republics, the courts of the Autonomous Oblasts and Okrugs shall be elected by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of the Union and Autonomous Republics and the Soviets of people’s Deputies of the Autonomous oblasts and Autonomous Okrugs accordingly.
13. Article 143, as amended, now reads:
Article 143. The Supreme body of the state authority in the Autonomous Republic shall be the Congress of the People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Republic.
14. Article 144 (e), as amended, now reads:
The highest body of the legislative, administrative and controlling state authority in the Autonomous Republic shall be the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic. The Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic shall be accountable to the Congress of People’s Deputies of the Autonomous Republic.
The Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic is accountable to the Congress of People’s Deputies and to the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
The Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic shall be responsible and accountable to the Congress of People’s Deputies and the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
15. Article 149 and Article 150, as amended, now reads:
Article 149. The works of the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Territories, Regions, Autonomous Oblasts, districts, cities and city-districts shall be organized by the their Presidiums led by the chairmen, and of the Soviets of city (under district subordination), village and rural settlements – by the chairmen of these Soviets.
Article 150. The executive committees shall be the executive and administrative organs of the local Soviets of people’s deputies, elected by the respective Soviets…
(…)
The Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR M. Gorbachev
The Secretary of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR M. Menteshashvili
1 December 1988
(Messengers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, 1988, N 49, p. 5-21/in Russian)
List of Document (content)
1917
1. Constitution adopted at the First Congress of the Union of North Caucasus Mountain People and Daghestan, 7 May 1917.
2. Union Treaty of the South-East union of Cossack’s Troops, the Caucasus Mountain Peoples and of the Free Steppe Peoples, 20 October 1917.
3. Extract from the Special Gazette of the Trans-Caucasus Committee Sitting, 30 October 1917.
4. Constitution of the Abkhaz People’s Council of, 8 November 1917.
5. Declaration adopted by the Abkhaz people’s Congress, 8 November 1917.
6. Declaration on setting the joint Government of the South-East Union of the Cossack’s Troops, Mountain people of the Caucasus and the Free Steppe Peoples, 16 November 1917.
7. Decree issued by the provisional government of the Union of the Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus, 4 December 1917.
8. Resolution adopted by the Trans-Caucasus Commissariat, 7 December 1917.
9. From the Decree issued by the provisional government of the Union of the Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus, 11 December 1917.
1918
10. Extract from the Minutes of the sitting of the Executive Committee of the national Council of Georgia, 9 February 1918.
11. Extract from the Gazette of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Georgia, 9 February 1918.
12. Agreement between the national Council of Georgian and the Abkhaz people’s Council, 9 February 1918.
13. Declaration of independence of the Republic of the Mountain Peoples of the South Caucasus and of Dagestan (Gorskaia Respublika), 11 May 1918 .
14. Act of Independence of Georgia, 26 May 1918.
15. Exstract from the Resolution adopted by the Abkhaz People’s Council on negotiations on relations with the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 2 June 1918.
16. Decree issued by the Abkhaz People’s Council on participation of its representatives in Liquidating Commission working on dissolution of the Trans-Caucasus Seima, 2 June 1918.
17. Extract from the Gazette of the Sitting of the Government of Democratic Republic of Georgia, 6 June 1918 .
18. Extract from the Gazette of the sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 8 June 1918.
19. Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and the Abkhaz People’s Council, 8 June 1918.
20. Agreement between Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and the Abkhaz People’s Council, 11 June 1918.
21. Extract from Gazette of the sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 13 June 1918
22. Decree issued by the Abkhaz People’s Council on necessity to occupy Sochi and Tuapse Okrug, 24 June 1918.
23. Law on abolishment of the Gubernia Councils of Peasants and the institution of the Peace Mediators, 9 July 1918.
24. Extract from the Minutes of the session of the Abkhaz People’s Council on necessity of the presence of Georgian troops in Abkhazia and confidence to its Headquarters, 17 July 1918.
25. Extract from the Minutes N 58 of the session of the Abkhaz People’s Council on Relations between Georgia and Abkhazia, 25 July 1918.
26. Extract from the Minutes of the session of the Abkhaz People’s Council, 28 July 1918.
27. Law on administrative positions at Gubernia, City and County Levels, 2 August 1918.
28. Decision adopted by the Abkhaz People’s Council on nationalization of the state organizations, 3 August 1918.
29. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 3 August 1918.
30. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 6 August 1918.
31. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 6 August 1918.
32. Regulations on Military Obligations in the Republic of Georgia and Recruitment in the Regular Army, 20 August 1918.
33. Law on Customs offices, 30 August 1918.
34. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 3 September 1918.
35. Law on Representation of the National Minorities at the National Council of Georgia, 13 September 1918.
36. Law on Nationalization of the Teaching Institute and the Seminaries, 13 September 191.
37. Regulations on the Interim Special Courts of the Republic, 20 September 1918.
38. Law on the institution of the Mediating Judges, 24 September 1918.
39. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 25 September 1918.
40. Law on the State Language of Georgia, 1 October 1918.
41. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 10 October 1918.
42. Addition to the Regulations of the Parliament of Georgia on the rules of language application, 15 October 1918.
43. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 17 October 1918.
44. Extract from the Minutes of the session of the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 20 October 1918.
45. Law on arranging the state treasury, 12 November 1918.
46. Regulations on Elections of the Constituent Assembly, 22 November 1918.
47. Law on Tax-Collection, 26 November 1918.
48. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Republic of Georgia, 28 November 1918.
49. Resolution of the Congress of Sochi Okrug Farmers, 1 December 1918.
50. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Republic of Georgia, 17 December 1918.
51. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Republic of Georgia, 17 December 1918.
52. Regulations on elections of Public Representatives at the City Councils, 17 December 1918.
53. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 25 December 1918.
54. Regulations on the elections of the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 27 December 1918.
1919
55. Law on application of the language at the self-governance agencies, 14 January 1919.
56. Regulations of the Grand-Jury Court, 17 January 1919.
57. Law on declaring the former lots, state owned and other lands as private property, 28 January 1919.
58. Extract from the Gazette of the Sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 8 February 1919.
59. Extract from the Minutes of the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 12 February 1919.
60. Extract from the Minutes of the Sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 1 March 1919 .
61. Extract from the Gazette of the Sessions of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 13 March 1919.
62. Extract from the session of the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 20 March 1919.
63. Act on the Autonomy of Abkhazia, 20 March 1919.
64. Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Georgia, 21 March 1919.
65. Extract from the Gazette of the Sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 29 March 1919.
66. Extract from the Gazette of the Sitting of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 12 April 1919.
67. Statement of the Abkhaz People’s Council on Memorandum of the Volunteer Army to the English Headquarters, 15 April 1919.
68. Extract from the Gazette of the Sessions of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 29 April 1919.
69. Law on certain measures for strengthening the state revenues, 27 May 1919.
70. Law on Seizure and temporary holding of Real Estate and on its utilization for the state and public needs, 11 July 1919.
71. Report of the Session of the Peoples Council of Abkhazia, 21 July 1919.
72. Draft by the Commissariat of Abkhazia; Constitution of the Autonomous Abkhazia, 21 July 1919.
73. Law on Military Obligation and Recruitment to the Military Forces, 29 July 1919.
74. Decree issued by the Commissariat of Abkhazia on management of the Orthodox Church, 5 September 1919.
75. Minutes of the Sitting of the Commissariat of Abkhazia, 5 September 1919.
76. Extract from the Gazette of sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 18 September 1919.
77. Extract from the Gazette of sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 4 October 1919.
78. Extract from the Gazette of sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 14 October 1919.
79. Extract from the Gazette of sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 4 November 1919.
80. Extract from the Minutes of the sitting of the Abkhaz People’s Council – discussion with regard of introducing Georgian language at schools, 18 November 1919.
81. Extract from the Minutes of the sitting of the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 28 November 1919.
82. Decree on assigning 200 000 rubles as the scholarship for Muslim pupils of Georgia, as well as for the pupils of Abkhazia, Svaneti and other remote regions of Georgia, 13 December 1919.
83. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 20 December 1919.
84. Interim Regulations on Agrarian Reforms and the state-land management in Abkhazia, 20 December 1919.
85. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, 23 December 1919.
86. Decree on assigning three million roubles to the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 31 December 1919.
1920
87. Resolution of the Abkhaz People’s Council on the situation in Batumi and Batumi Oblast adopted by the People’s Council of Abkhazia, 19 march 1920.
88. Decree on assigning one million roubles every month for the needs of the Commissariat of Abkhazia, 6 April 1920.
89. Treaty between Georgia and Russia, 7 May 1920.
90. Resolution adopted by the People’s Council of Abkhazia on recognition of the independence of Georgia by Russia, 18 May 1920.
91. Mandate, 21 May 1919.
92. Extract from the Gazette of the Sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 23 June 1920
93. Draft-Agreement of the Parity Commission on the major provisions for the management of Abkhazia, 7 July 1920
94. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 26 July 1920.
95. Decree on assigning the loan of 4 000 000 roubles to Sukhumi city governance, 10 August 1920.
96. Extract from the Gazette of sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 10 August 1920
97. Draft-Constitution of the Autonomous Abkhazia, 16 October 1920.
98. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 6 November 1920.
99. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 6 December 1920.
100. Extract from the Gazette of the sittings of the Presidium of the Constituent Assembly, 31 December 1920.
101. Regulations on Autonomous management of Abkhazia, 31 December 1920.
1921
102. Constitution of Georgia, 21 February 1921.
103. Decree issued by the Revolutionary Committee on taking the whole power, 26 February 1921.
104. Protocol of Batumi Meetings on the issues of Soviet Power and Communist Party Structures in Abkhazia, 28 March 1921.
105. Decree issued by the Revolutionary Committee of the Georgian SSR on arranging the Power, 21 April 1921
106. Declaration of the Revolutionary Committee of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia on Independence of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 21 may 1921.
107. Resolution adopted by the First Congress of the Workers of Abkhazia on the report of the Chairman of the Revcom of Abkhazia N. Lakoba on the National Issue in Abkhazia, 28 May 1921.
108. Resolution of the First Congress of the Workers of Abkhazia on the Report of Revcom Chairman E. Eshba on Building of Soviet Society, 28 May 1921
109. Extract from the Resolution adopted by the Plenum of the RKB CK of the Caucasus Bureau on the Political Situation of the Trans-Caucasus Republics, 2-3 July 1921.
110. Regulations of the Public Court of the Georgian SSR, 30 July 1921.
111. Extract from the Resolution on Independence of the Abkhazian SSR adopted by the joint session of the RKP (B) Orgbureau, Revcom and of the State Officials, 15 October 1921
112. Decree on the Relations between Abkhazia and Georgia adopted by the Presidium of the RKP(B) of the Caucasus Bureau, 16 November 1921.
113. Minutes of the Session of the presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia, 17 November 1921.
114. Decree on subordination of the Maritime transport management to the Revcom of Georgia and the unification of the maritime transport of the Georgian SSR and the Abkhaz SSR, 18 November 1921.
115. Resolution on the Relations between the RKP(B) Orgbureau of Abkhazia and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia, 24 November 1921.
116. Minutes of the sitting of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia, 12 December 1921.
117. Union Treaty between the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia and the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 16 December 1921.
1922
118. Resolution on Inter-relation of the state agencies adopted by the Revolutionary Committee of the Georgian SSR, 10 January 1922.
119. Minutes of the Session of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia, 15 January 1922.
120. Resolution of the first Congress of the Soviets of Abkhazia on the Federation of the Soviet Republics of the Trans-Caucasus and on Federation the Abkhaz SSR with the Georgian SSR, 17 February 1922.
121. Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 2 March 1922.
122. Union Treaty of the Soviet Socialist Republics of the Trans-Caucasus, 12 March 1922.
123. Decree on Arrangement of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast issued by the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia and the Council of Public Commissars of Georgia, 20 April 1922.
124. Regulation for the State Navigation of Georgia adopted by the Council of Public Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 20 September 1922.
125 . Resolution on Introducing the Criminal Code of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia adopted by the Central Executive Committee of the Georgian SSR, 9 November 1922.
126. Resolution on Introducing the Prosecutor’s Office adopted by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Georgia, 11 November 1922.
127. Regulations of the Prosecutor’s Office elaborated by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Georgia, 11 November 1922.
128. From the exstract Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Federative Republic of the Trans-Caucasus, 13 December 1922.
129. Extract from the Treaty on establishing the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics, 30 December 1922.
1923
130. Regulation of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, 12 November 1923.
1924
131. Basic law (Constitution) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, 31 January 1924.
132. Decree on the application of the State Language and the languages of majority and minority populations at the state institutions. 4 April 1924.
133. Decree on the introduction of the Civil Justice Code of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia issued by the Central Executive Committee of the Georgian SSR, 11 April 1924.
134. Decree on certain changes and amendments to the Regulations on Court Arrangement in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 19 April 1924.
135. Decree issued by the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Georgia On reorganizations of the District Court of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast and of the Supreme Court of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, 12 December 1924.
1925
136. Regulations of the Central Executive Committee of the All-Georgian Soviets, 12 January 1925.
137. Regulations of the Council of Public Commissars of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
138. General Regulations of the Public Commissariats of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
139. Regulations of the Commissariat of the Internal Affairs of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
140. Regulations of the Public Commissariat of the Education of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
141. Regulations of the Public Commissariats of Labour Affairs of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
142. Regulations of the Supreme Council of the Public Economy of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 12 January 1925.
143. Minutes of the Fifth Congress of the Soviet of Workers’ and Peasants’ Deputies of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast, 31 March 1931.
144. Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 1 April 1925.
145. Resolution on Unification of North and South Ossetia adopted at the second session of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Georgia of the Third Convocation, 15 July 1925.
146. Extract from the minutes of the Central Executive Committee of the Trans-Caucasus, 7 August 1925.
147. Decree on changes and amendments to the Regulations on Arraigning the Courts issued by the Central Executive Committee of Georgia, 30 October 1925.
148. Extract from the Minutes N29 of the Sitting of Central Executive Committee of the USSR, 27 November 1925.
149. Extract from the Minutes N 21 of the session of the Trans-Caucasus Central Executive Committee, 14 December 1925.
1926
150. Extract from the Minutes of the sitting of the Presidium of CEC of the USSR, 19 February 1926.
151. Extract from the Minutes N 5 of the sitting of the Presidium of CEC of the Trans-Caucasus, 30 March 1926.
152. Resolution on adoption and application of the Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia adopted at the Third Session of the Georgian Soviets of the Third Convocation, 5 July 1926.
153. Constitution of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 5 July 1926.
154. Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 27 October 1926.
155. Instruction on elections of the Workers, Peasants and Red Army deputies and on convocation of the Congresses of Soviets, 22 December 1926.
1927
156. Extract from the Minutes of the sitting of the Small Presidium if the CEC of the Trans-Caucasus, 13 January 1927.
157. Decree on the City Councils of the Georgian SSR issued by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Georgian SSR, 25 January 1927.
158. Minutes of the Seventh Congress of the Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies of South Ossetia, 12-16 March 1927.
159. Minutes of the Sitting of the Presidium of CEC of the Trans-Caucasus, 1 June 1927.
160. Extract from the Minutes N 21 of the sitting of Small Presidium of the Trans-Caucasus CEC, 15 September 1927.
1928
161. Resolution on approval of the Regulations of the City Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies (adopted at the Third Session of the Fourth Convocation of the CEC of Georgia), 29 January 1928.
162. Regulations of the City Soviets of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies, 29 January 1928.
163. Minutes of the Session of the Trans-Caucasus CEC, 6 February 1928.
164. Minutes of the Sitting of the CEC Presidium of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, 10 February 1928.
165. Instruction for the activity of the Council of Public Commissars and the Economic Council of the Georgian SSR, 10 April 1928.
166. Extract from the minutes of the Sitting of the Small Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of All-Georgia, 25 July 1928.
167. Regulations of the Central Statistics Department of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 31 October 1928.
1929
168. Regulations the Local Statistics Agencies, 30 January 1929.
169. Regulations on the Extraordinary Measures for Maintaining the Revolutionary Order in the Georgian SSR, 27 October 1929.
1930
170. Decree on Changes and amendments to the Regulations of the Procurator’s Office (Procuracy) of the Georgian SSR, 22 August 1930.
171. Instruction on the Elections of the Councils of the Workers, Peasants and Red Army Men Deputies and of the Congresses of Soviets, 9 November 1930.
1931
172. Resolution of the VI Congress of the Soviets of Abkhazia on the changes to the Constitution, 11 February 1931.
173. Resolution of VI Congress of Councils of Workers, Peasants and Red Army Deputies of the Georgian SSR “on joining of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia as the autonomous republic”, 19 February 1931.
174. Resolution adopted at the VI Congress of the Councils of the Workers, Peasants and Read Army Deputies of Georgia on amendments to the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 19 February 1931.
175. Resolution of the Sixth Congress of the USSR, 17 March 1931.
176. Regulations on the Fiscal Authority of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and Oblasts of the Trans-Caucasus SFSR, 12 September 1931.
1932
177. Resolution on changing, amendment and addition to the Regulations of the Central Executive Committee, 17 June 1932.
178. Regulations the Council of Public Commissars of the Georgian SSR, 17 June 1932.
179. General Regulations of the Public Commissariats of the Georgian SSR, 17 June 1932.
1933
180. Regulations on the Procurator’s Office of the USSR, 17 December 1933
1935
181. Basic Law (Constitution) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 7 January 1935.
182. Rezolution of the seventh All-Georgian Congress on changes to the Constitution of the Georgian SSR, 13 January 1935.
1936
183. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 5 December 1936.
1937
184. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 13 February 1937.
185. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 2 August 1937.
1961
186. Law on budgetary rights of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, Autonomous Republics and of the local Soviets of People’s Deputie of the Georgian SSR, 27 December 1961.
1971
187. Law of Georgia on District Soviets of People‘s Deputies of the Georgian SSR, 9 December 1971.
188. Law of the Georgian SSR on City and the City-District Soviets of Peoples Deputies of the Georgian SSR, 9 December 1971.
1977
189. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 7 October 1977.
1978
190. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia, 15 April 1978.
191. Constitution (Basic Law) of the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia, 6 June 1978.
192. Law of the Georgian SSR on the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, 21 December 1978.
1979
193. Law of the Georgian SSR on Election of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, 15 June 1979.
194. Law of the Georgian SSR on Elections of Local Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR, 15 June 1979.
1980
195. Law of Georgia on the Autonomous oblast of South Ossetia, 12 November 1980.
1982
196. Regulations (statute) on the rules of setting the issues related to the Administrative-territorial arrangement of the Georgian SSR, 17 March 1982
197. Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR on introduction the changes on the issues of agriculture management to the laws “on Autonomous Oblast of South Ossetia” and “On District Soviets of People’s Deputies of the Georgian SSR”, 23 June1982.
1988
198. Law of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on changes and additions to the Constitution (Basic Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 1 December 1988.
